Breaking: Iconic Surabaya Hotel, Garden Palace, Closes After 41 Years
In a landmark decision, the legendary Garden Palace hotel on Jalan Yos Sudarso, which had been operating since 1980, has ceased its operations. The closure was executed on Thursday, December 19, by judicial officer Darmanto Dachlan.
PT Mas Murni Indonesia (MAMI), the hotel’s operator, initially resisted eviction. Scuffles ensued between staff, who attempted to block access, and eviction officers and police who eventually gained entry by breaking the glass lobby door.
The hotel began to be vacated at 10:30 AM (WIB), with many guests still unchecked out. They were eventually forced to leave via the back exit. The eviction was based on a ruling by the Chief of Surabaya District Court, following a request by Stevanus Nathaniel, Director of PT Tunas Unggul Lestari (TUL). It was also precipitated by several debt cases against PT MAMI that had been adjudicated by the Surabaya court.
Shoinuddin Umar, a lawyer for PT MAMI, disputed the eviction. Despite the closure, nearby businesses bustled with customers,-oriented small business owners discussing the sudden change in their neighborhood.
The Garden Palace hotel, known for its historic architecture and strategic location, will be missed by many in Surabaya.
