The Junction

KUDUS — The old building on Jalan KH Agus Salim, Wergu Wetan, was once a vital hub for transportation in Kudus. Inaugurated on March 15, 1884, the Kudus Station, better known as Wergu Station, served as a key stop on the rail line connecting Semarang, Kudus, Juwana, and Mayong.

In its prime, the station was a transport nexus facilitating passenger movement and the distribution of regional produce across the Pantura corridor. After rail operations ceased and the site was briefly repurposed as a market, activity at the complex gradually declined, leaving behind a structure that serves as a reminder of the historical development of Kudus city.

Today, the area that once witnessed the evolution of Kudus transport enters a new chapter. The former Wergu Station has been revitalized through The Junction, a sports facility featuring a "one-stop sports" concept. Instead of the rumble of locomotives, the site now resonates with the sound of billiard balls, the chatter of visitors, and the energy of a community utilizing the space for sports and social connection.

This transformation offers more than just a new function for a landmark. Repurposing the historic site as a sports center gives a fresh identity to the former Wergu Station while expanding the sports tourism landscape in Kudus. Where passengers once boarded and disembarked, people of all ages now gather to play, train, and enjoy a unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Former Wergu Station Takes on a New Role

Converting a former station into a public space requires more than just new construction; it requires a purpose relevant to modern needs. The Junction addresses this by providing sports facilities accessible to beginners, hobbyists, and athletes alike.

Upon entering, visitors encounter an atmosphere far removed from the stereotypical, cramped, and dimly lit billiard halls. The playing area is spacious with ample circulation, allowing for comfortable player movement. Twenty Rasson and Brunswick tables are arranged with significant space between them, while staff are on hand to assist players.

The General Manager of The Junction Kudus, Fadhilatul Fithri, stated that the concept was specifically designed to enable the expansion of the location into a multi-sport hub.

"We have designed The Junction as a sports center or sports destination in Kudus that will eventually host several sports disciplines. Currently, we are prioritizing billiards," she said.

Billiards Marks First Phase of Development

The selection of billiards as the inaugural facility is strategic. Fadhilatul Fithri noted that the sport is seeing a surge in popularity across many regions. Furthermore, local athletes in Kudus require training facilities that meet proper standards.

She explained that The Junction seeks not only to provide a recreational venue but also to create a space for young athletes to hone their skills.

"Given the high interest in billiards, we aim to accommodate potential talent in Kudus for training, while revitalizing this former train station area into a prime sports destination in the city," she stated.

The site's development will expand beyond billiards. Future plans include the addition of a padel court, fitness center, physiotherapy services, and a wellness center. These facilities are intended to allow the public to access a variety of sporting activities at a single location.

Fadhilatul Fithri added that limiting the facility to 20 tables was a deliberate decision. The priority is not maximum capacity, but ensuring that each player has ample space for a comfortable experience.

"We want to ensure visitor comfort. By keeping the playing area spacious, patrons can enjoy their games comfortably. Ultimately, we hope to see more billiard athletes from Kudus continue to develop," she explained.

Supporting Facilities Enhance the Playing Experience

Beyond its sports facilities, The Junction enriches the visitor experience by integrating food and beverage services with its gaming offerings. Guests can enjoy various packages that combine playtime with meals and drinks, turning sessions into opportunities for gatherings among families, friends, or colleagues.

Management has tailored programs based on the day of the week. On Mondays, for instance, a two-hour play package is available for IDR 85,000, which includes fried bananas and two bottles of mineral water. Tuesdays offer a IDR 90,000 package featuring popcorn chicken and two soft drinks. Meanwhile, on Wednesdays, the Girls Come Out & Play program allows female visitors to receive two hours of play plus one hour free, along with chicken wings and two soft drinks, for IDR 100,000.

Similar programs are available on Thursdays through the Escape Work package. For IDR 100,000, guests receive two hours of play, one additional free hour, spring rolls, and two bottles of mineral water. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Happy Weekend package is priced at IDR 100,000, including two hours of play, a mixed platter, and two soft drinks.

In addition to daily programs, The Junction offers three-month memberships in two tiers: Silver for IDR 799,000 and Gold for IDR 999,000. These memberships include benefits such as an official member card, priority waiting lists, exclusive merchandise, and up to 30 hours of complimentary play time depending on the package. Membership is limited to 100 individuals.

Beyond the regular play area, The Junction provides a VIP room with Brunswick tables separated from the general floor. Rasson tables are located in the regular area, available for public use and athlete training. This layout caters to diverse needs, whether visitors are looking to hone their skills or socialize within a community setting.

These supporting services underscore The Junction's one-stop sports concept. The venue goes beyond billiards to create a space that blends sport, dining, and social activity under one roof.

These facilities are supported by extended operating hours. The Junction is open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM WIB, Monday through Thursday, with services extending until 2:00 AM WIB on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These longer hours on weekends provide a convenient option for those looking to play, practice, or socialize late into the evening.

Visitors Praise the Comfortable Playing Atmosphere

This concept is resonating with visitors, including Marcell Pratama Nathaniel (20), a Glantengan village resident who frequents the venue with friends.

For him, comfort is the first thing noticed when playing at The Junction. The climate-controlled room ensures that playing remains comfortable during both the day and night.

“It is an enjoyable and comfortable venue. Whether playing day or night, it remains cool. The service is also prompt; the racker is attentive and provides assistance without needing to be called repeatedly,” he said.

Beyond the playing facilities, Marcell noted that the food and beverage service is an added benefit, allowing patrons to take breaks without needing to leave the playing area.

“I have tried several menu items, and I think they are worth ordering. Whether playing on Rasson or Brunswick tables, both are great experiences,” he noted.

Marcell admitted he is still learning to play billiards, so he frequently uses the Rasson table. In his view, the staff's efficient service in facilitating game transitions makes for a more productive playing session.

He also views the presence of a facility like The Junction as a positive recreational alternative for the youth in Kudus.

“Now that a place like this exists, people my age or young athletes can learn and train together here,” he said.

Two Premium Tables in One Arena

A key draw of The Junction is its use of two billiard table brands well-known to players: Rasson and Brunswick. Both are premium-tier, yet they offer distinct characteristics, providing a unique experience for every visitor.

Rasson is a Chinese manufacturer that has grown rapidly through technological innovation and is now used in numerous international pool championships. These tables are renowned for their steel frame construction, precise leveling systems, and fast, consistent ball response. These traits have led Rasson to be selected for major global competitions, including the World Pool Championship, World Cup of Pool, Mosconi Cup, and the US Open Pool Championship.

In contrast, Brunswick is a U.S. manufacturer founded in 1845 with a long history in the billiard industry. Brunswick tables, particularly the Gold Crown series, are known for high-quality hardwood construction and more refined playing characteristics. This reputation has made Brunswick a staple in premium billiard clubs and tournament arenas across the United States.

The presence of both brands in one venue offers visitors distinct playing experiences. Players looking for the modern feel of a tournament table can opt for Rasson, while those who prefer a more classic game profile can try Brunswick. This combination also enables athletes to adapt to different table characteristics as they prepare for various competitions.

Athletes Praise Facilities for Supporting Development

A similar sentiment was expressed by Kudus-based billiards athlete Benny Setiawan, widely known as Jenggo. The resident of Mlati Lor Village has been playing billiards since 2004 and previously secured silver and bronze medals for Kudus at the 2013 Central Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov) in Banyumas.

According to Jenggo, the inclusion of two premium table types at The Junction provides added value for both casual players and training athletes. The VIP room features Brunswick tables with larger playing surfaces, while the regular area is equipped with Rasson tables, which share characteristics with those frequently used in international tournaments. This combination allows players to adjust to varying table mechanics and familiarize themselves with the standards encountered in professional competition.

He noted that the available facilities adequately support both training needs and match hosting. The spacious playing area also ensures comfort, allowing players greater freedom of movement during matches and practice sessions.

"My first impression is that this is the most comfortable and largest venue in Kudus. It is spacious, and the tables are up to standard for both practice and tournaments. The service is also excellent," he said.

For Jenggo, venues like The Junction support athlete development by providing access to facilities that closely mirror actual competition conditions. He added that athletes also need opportunities to participate in various competitions to gain experience and build a performance record for selection to higher levels of play.

"Places like this greatly support the discovery of young talent in Kudus. Athletes need to join various matches to build a track record of success for the next stage of selection," he explained.

Beyond observing facility upgrades, Jenggo also noted a shift in public perception regarding billiards. While the sport was once viewed negatively when he began, the prevalence of competition coverage on social media has helped position billiards as a competitive athletic pursuit.

“It is different now. Many events are shared on social media, making the public aware that billiards is a competitive sport. The perception is far more positive today,” he said.

Inaugural Tournament Aims to Build Billiards Community

Following its opening, The Junction immediately hosted its inaugural tournament as part of an effort to foster the billiards community in Kudus.

Fadhilatul Fithri noted that the Nine Ball Mini Tournament took place on July 22, 2026, featuring competition categories 3, 3+, 4C, and 4B, with a total prize pool of Rp7.5 million.

In addition to serving as a competitive platform, the tournament was used to test the team's readiness for organizing larger-scale events.

“We wanted to gauge the team's readiness while also measuring public interest in our events,” she said.

The tournament drew 32 participants from the former Pati Residency and other regions in Central Java. Fadhilatul Fithri noted that registration slots were filled shortly after opening.

“Registrations were full as soon as we opened. The public response was so overwhelming we were struggling to keep up with the applicants,” she added.

The event was open to spectators. Fadhilatul Fithri hopes such tournaments will become a regular occurrence, helping to strengthen the billiards ecosystem in Kudus.

Sports Tourism Offers New Activities in Kudus

The arrival of The Junction expands the range of sporting activities available to residents and tourists visiting Kudus. Transforming the former Wergu Station site demonstrates that heritage spaces can be repurposed while preserving their historical significance.

On one hand, the facility offers a recreational space for those seeking to enjoy billiards in a comfortable setting. On the other, it provides local athletes with a venue to train consistently and compete in various tournaments.

Future development plans for the area, including the addition of further sporting facilities, underscore the management's vision of establishing The Junction as a multi-generational hub for physical activity.

By repurposing a historic site for modern sports, the former Wergu Station enters a new chapter. No longer just a relic of Kudus's transportation history, it has become a nexus for sports, community engagement, and public activity. (JMY/mainkekudus)