Location : Ir. Juanda Street No. 72, Sudiroprajan, Jebres, Surakarta
Designation Decree :  SK Walikota Surakarta No. 430/443 Tahun 2024

 

After the successful establishment of the Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan (THHK) school in Batavia, Chinese organizations began founding schools in many regions, including THHK, which was established on November 30, 1904, in Surakarta. SD Warga Surakarta, a public elementary school in Surakarta, formerly known as Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan, was founded in 1904 on the initiative of Tuan Kng Yu Wei and Mayor Be Kwat Koen. This school emerged from the educational needs of the Chinese community in Surakarta and first operated in the Tien Kok Sie Temple and the house of Sieeuta Buk di Coyudan.

With the increasing number of students, construction of a new building began later that year on Purwodiningratan Street No. 89 (now Ir. Juanda Street No. 72). The building became a symbol of hope for the local Chinese community, representing their pursuit of educational independence. Four months later, the school received official approval from Pakubuwono IX and Mayor Be Kwat Koen. On February 14, 1905, Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan was formally recognized as part of Surakarta’s education system.

On March 5, 1942, with the arrival of Japanese forces, the school changed its name and administration. Formerly known as Tiong Hoa Hwee Koan School, it was renamed Hoa Kwee Lip Oei Tjing Hok Hwee and placed under Kaigyo Sokai supervision. The school admitted students previously enrolled in Dutch schools and placed them into transition classes. After the Japanese period ended, the name Tiong Hua Hwee Koan was officially changed to Yayasan Pendidikan Warga, an educational foundation, on September 14, 1958. The school became SD Warga Surakarta, reflecting a shift toward a more inclusive educational vision.

In 1959, SD Warga Surakarta was designated a private school receiving government subsidies, which enabled it to expand and improve access to education. In 1960, the Yayasan Pendidikan Warga was granted land and buildings from Kha Sam Hien on Mongisidi Street No. 21. SD Warga Surakarta, previously located on Purwodiningratan 89, was relocated to this new site, where SMA Warga, a public high school,  was also established. Following the relocation of SD Warga Surakarta, the school experienced a significant increase in student enrollment. In the same year, the school received government support that facilitated further developments in its facilities and academic programs. Today, SD Warga Surakarta is well organized, especially within the Chinese-Indonesian community.

SD Warga Surakarta building features distinctive Indische architectural elements, including high ceilings, tall doors and windows, and ornamental ironwork and wall decorations. Chinese-Malay influences are also visible in the roof design. Although the building’s main structure and layout remain intact, several modifications have been made. The most noticeable changes include updated interior wall colors and the installation of ceramic tiles on both the exterior and interior walls, as well as on the floors.