London Sumatra Building
A historic colonial-era building in Medan, home to PT PP London Sumatra and rumored to house Indonesia's first electric elevator.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
London Sumatra Building
Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic colonial-era building in Medan, home to PT PP London Sumatra and rumored to house Indonesia's first electric elevator.
"The building itself isn't flashy but carries solid colonial-era architectures."
📸 Exterior Photos Only
Respect it's a working office. Admire and photograph the exterior architecture.
🕰️ Appreciate the History
Learn about its role in Indonesian agribusiness and its historic elevator.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Colonial Architecture
Exterior of the building
Admire the authentic, solid colonial-era architecture that speaks to Indonesia's rich history.
First Electric Elevator
Inside the building (view from outside)
Believed to house Indonesia's first electric elevator, installed in 1908 by R. Waygood & Co.
Agribusiness Heritage
Building facade
A symbol of PT PP London Sumatra's long contribution to Indonesian agribusiness since 1906.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respecting a Working Building
Colonial Architecture Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Exterior Photos Only
Respect it's a working office. Admire and photograph the exterior architecture.
🕰️ Appreciate the History
Learn about its role in Indonesian agribusiness and its historic elevator.
🚶♂️ Walk-by Appreciation
Often passed by, it's a solid piece of colonial architecture worth a moment's glance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Exterior Photos Only
Respect it's a working office. Admire and photograph the exterior architecture.
🕰️ Appreciate the History
Learn about its role in Indonesian agribusiness and its historic elevator.
🚶♂️ Walk-by Appreciation
Often passed by, it's a solid piece of colonial architecture worth a moment's glance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the London Sumatra Building for its authentic, solid colonial-era architecture and its historical significance as a long-standing agribusiness company. While it's an active office and not a public attraction, its exterior offers a good view and a glimpse into Medan's past.
"Passed by many times and could not be missed. The building itself isnt flashy but carries solid colonial-era architectures. Views from the outside as its a corporate company building.
PT PP London Sumatra (Lonsum) is one of Indonesia’s oldest and most respected agribusiness companies, with roots dating back to 1906 when it was established by British planters in Sumatra. Over the years, Lonsum has grown into a major player in palm oil, rubber, and cocoa plantations, especially in North Sumatra."
The Wandering Tofu
"The building was so authentic and this kind of the netherland's stuff I I can't take photo cause this is a company ok place so it will not be polite but so far the building very great and i think the employees will be comfortable working in there"
Johannes Hutapea
"A place that has long been contributing to the country not only valuable plantation products and welfare to the people, but also updates on oil palm, rubber, cocoa and tea research."
Noto Prabowo
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The London Sumatra Building is located in Medan, North Sumatra. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of the city. It's a prominent building, so drivers should be familiar with its location.
As it's a corporate building, dedicated visitor parking might be limited. It's best to use ride-sharing or taxis for convenient drop-off and pick-up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required as the London Sumatra Building is an active corporate office and not a public tourist attraction. You can view and photograph its exterior.
Since it's a business building, there are no official visitor hours. You can view the exterior during daylight hours.
Generally, access inside the London Sumatra Building is restricted to employees and authorized visitors due to its function as a corporate office.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the exterior is generally permitted and encouraged, as it's a notable architectural landmark. However, avoid photographing employees or sensitive areas inside.
The front facade offers the most impressive view of its colonial architecture. Consider capturing it from across the street for a full perspective.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Established in 1906, it's a symbol of PT PP London Sumatra's long history in Indonesian agribusiness, particularly palm oil and rubber plantations. It's also noted for housing Indonesia's first electric elevator.
The building features solid colonial-era architecture, characteristic of Dutch colonial buildings in Indonesia.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the exterior's grand appearance and its historical significance as a place that has been around for a very long time. Keep the visit short and sweet, perhaps as part of a larger city tour. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
It's important to remember that this building is not a museum but an active corporate headquarters. Therefore, the appreciation of its architecture is primarily from its exterior. The building's design offers a glimpse into the functional yet grand style favored during the colonial period, making it a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
A Glimpse into History
The building's history is intertwined with the PT PP London Sumatra company, one of Indonesia's oldest agribusiness firms, founded in 1906. This connection underscores the building's importance not just architecturally, but also economically and historically, representing decades of contribution to the nation's plantation sector.
The First Electric Elevator
This early adoption of modern technology within the building highlights its significance as a hub of commerce and administration during the colonial era. While the elevator itself is not publicly accessible, its historical presence within the building adds another layer of intrigue to its legacy. It speaks to the progressive nature of the companies operating within its walls during that period.
For visitors, the knowledge of this pioneering feature enhances the experience of viewing the building, even from the outside. It's a subtle yet significant piece of Indonesian industrial history embedded within a structure that continues to stand as a landmark.
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