Loji Gandrung was originally the residence of Johannes Augustinus Dezentje (1797–1839). His father, August Jan Caspar, was a colonial Dutch military officer. Because of his family background, Dezentje had good relations both with the Dutch colonial authorities and the Kasunanan Surakarta court.

In 1815, Dezentje married Johanna Dorothea Boode, but she passed away in 1816 after giving birth to their first child. Later, in 1819, Dezentje married Raden Ayu Cokrokusumo, the sister of Sunan Pakubuwana IV. Through this marriage, he was granted the right to lease land in Ampel covering 82 hectares and 18 villages. By 1820, his plantation income was substantial, reaching around 5000 guilders per year.

According to SA Buddingh, who visited Dezentje’s residence in Ampel, he had a landhuis designed in the traditional Javanese dalem house style, complete with a yard and garden, gamelan music entertainment, as well as a fortified area including bastions, troops, and weaponry. This house is what is now known as Loji Gandrung.

The name Loji Gandrung came about because this place was often a social venue for European elites, filled with feasts, drinking, and dancing. These activities resembled people being “gandrung” — a Javanese term meaning to be deeply infatuated or in love, often referenced in traditional performing arts. Literally, “loji” means colonial-style house and “gandrung” means enthusiasm or infatuation.

Such parties became popular in the early 20th century following the Dutch colonial government’s economic liberalization policies that allowed many foreign investments in plantations and industries. It was likely during this period that the name Loji Gandrung was adopted and the building took on its current form.