KUDUS — The historic building on Jalan KH Agus Salim in Wergu Wetan was once a vital hub for transportation in Kudus. Inaugurated on March 15, 1884, the Kudus Station, better known as Wergu Station, was part of a railway network connecting Semarang, Kudus, Juwana, and Mayong.
In its prime, the station served as a transportation node that facilitated passenger movement and the distribution of regional produce across the Pantura corridor. After rail operations ceased and the site was briefly converted into a market, activity at the complex gradually declined, leaving behind a structure that serves as a reminder of the city's historical development.
Today, the area that once witnessed the evolution of transport in Kudus has entered a new chapter. The former Wergu Station has been revitalized as The Junction, a sports complex featuring a "one-stop sports" concept. Instead of the roar of locomotives, the space now resonates with the sound of billiards, the chatter of visitors, and local residents utilizing the facility for exercise and social gatherings.
This transformation offers more than just a new function for the building. Repurposing the historic site as a sports hub provides a fresh identity for the former Wergu Station while adding to the options for sports tourism in Kudus. Where passengers once arrived and departed by train, people of all ages now gather to play, train, and enjoy a unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Converting a former station into a public space involves more than just architectural changes; the challenge lies in creating functions relevant to modern community needs. The Junction addresses this by providing sports facilities accessible to beginners, hobbyists, and athletes alike.
Upon entering the main area, the atmosphere stands in contrast to the typical image of billiards halls, which are often characterized by cramped, dim environments. The play area is spacious with ample circulation, allowing players to move freely. A total of 20 Rasson and Brunswick billiard tables are spaced comfortably apart, with staff on hand to assist players.
Jl. KH. Agus Salim, Wergu Wetan, Kec. Kota Kudus, Kabupaten Kudus, Jawa Tengah 59318, Indonesia
General Manager of The Junction Kudus, Fadhilatul Fithri, stated that the concept was specifically designed to help the complex evolve into a multi-sport hub.
"We have configured The Junction as a sports center and destination in Kudus to host various sporting disciplines. We are prioritizing billiards for now," she said.
The decision to launch with billiards is strategic. According to Fadhilatul Fithri, the sport is seeing a surge in popularity across various regions, and Kudus has athletes who require training facilities that meet professional standards.
She explained that The Junction aims to provide more than just a venue; it intends to create a space for young athletes to hone their skills.
"Seeing the growing enthusiasm for billiards, we want to accommodate potential athletes in Kudus while revitalizing the former station area into a premier sports destination," she stated.
The development plan extends beyond billiards. Management intends to add padel courts, a fitness center, physiotherapy services, and a wellness center, creating an integrated hub for various sports activities.
Fadhilatul Fithri noted that the decision to limit the facility to 20 tables was intentional. The priority is not maximum capacity, but rather ensuring players have adequate space to play comfortably.
"We want to ensure visitor comfort. By providing ample space, players can enjoy the game more thoroughly. We hope to see more billiard athletes from Kudus continue to develop," she explained.
Beyond its sports facilities, The Junction elevates the visitor experience by integrating food and beverage services with its gaming activities. Guests can enjoy various packages that combine play with dining, transforming exercise sessions into a social hub for families, friends, and colleagues.
Management has structured several daily programs. On Mondays, for instance, a two-hour play package is available for IDR 85,000, including fried bananas and two bottles of mineral water. Tuesdays feature a IDR 90,000 package with the addition of chicken popcorn and two soft drinks. Meanwhile, on Wednesdays, through the Girls Come Out & Play program, female guests can receive two hours of play plus one hour free, along with chicken wings and two soft drinks for IDR 100,000.
A similar program is available on Thursdays via the Escape Work package. For IDR 100,000, guests get two hours of play, one extra hour free, spring rolls, and two bottles of mineral water. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Happy Weekend package is offered for IDR 100,000, covering 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. This program includes perks such as an official membership card, priority waitlist access, exclusive merchandise, and up to 30 hours of free play, depending on the package. Membership is limited to 100 individuals.
Outside the regular play area, The Junction provides a VIP room featuring Brunswick tables, separated from the general area. Rasson tables are situated in the regular section, available for both the public and athletes to practice. This facility layout offers choices tailored to visitor needs, whether they are looking to improve their skills or simply spend time with their community.
These supporting services round out the one-stop sports concept developed at The Junction. The venue not only provides billiards facilities but also creates a space that combines sports, culinary delights, and social interaction in a single location.
These diverse amenities are complemented by extended operating hours. The Junction opens its arena from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM WIB, Monday through Thursday, while services run until 2:00 AM WIB on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These longer weekend hours offer options for those looking to play, practice, or socialize late into the night.
This concept has been well-received by visitors, including Marcell Pratama Nathaniel (20), a Glantengan Village resident who visits regularly with friends.
For him, comfort is the first thing noticed when playing at The Junction. The air-conditioned facility ensures that playing remains comfortable during both day and night.
“The place is very enjoyable and comfortable. Whether you play during the day or night, it stays cool. The service is also fast; the racker is responsive and helpful without needing constant reminders,” he said.
Beyond the gaming facilities, Marcell noted that the food and beverage service is an added value, allowing patrons to take breaks without leaving the premises.
“I have tried several menu items, and I think they are worth trying. Both the Rasson and Brunswick tables are great to play on,” he added.
Marcell admitted he is still learning the game, which is why he frequently uses the Rasson tables. He noted that the staff's efficiency in managing game transitions makes his practice time more effective.
He also views establishments like The Junction as a positive alternative for local youth in Kudus.
“Now that a place like this exists, peers my age and young athletes can learn and practice together here,” he said.
One of the main attractions of The Junction is its use of two billiard table brands widely recognized by enthusiasts: Rasson and Brunswick. Both are premium brands, yet they offer distinct characteristics, providing a unique experience for players.
Rasson is a Chinese manufacturer that has grown rapidly through technological innovation and is now widely used in international pool tournaments. These tables are known for their steel frame construction, precise leveling systems, and fast, consistent ball response. Such characteristics have led to their selection for major global competitions, including the World Pool Championship, World Cup of Pool, Mosconi Cup, and the US Open Pool Championship.
Conversely, Brunswick is a U.S.-based manufacturer founded in 1845 with a long history in the industry. Brunswick tables, particularly the Gold Crown series, are renowned for their high-quality hardwood construction and smoother play. This reputation keeps Brunswick a staple in premium billiard clubs and tournament venues across the United States.
The presence of both brands in a single arena provides visitors with a distinct range of playing experiences. Players seeking the feel of a modern match table may choose Rasson, while those who prefer a more classic gameplay style can opt for Brunswick. This combination also allows athletes to adapt to different table characteristics while preparing for various competitions.
A similar sentiment was shared by Kudus-based billiards athlete Benny Setiawan, also known as Jenggo. A resident of Mlati Lor Village, he has been involved in the sport since 2004 and previously secured silver and bronze medals for Kudus at the 2013 Central Java Porprov in Banyumas.
According to Jenggo, the inclusion of two types of premium tables at The Junction serves as a significant benefit for both casual players and training athletes. The VIP area features Brunswick tables with larger play surfaces, while the regular area is equipped with Rasson tables that mirror the characteristics frequently used in international tournaments. This combination enables players to acclimate to different table behaviors while familiarizing themselves with standards commonly found in professional competition.
He noted that the available facilities are well-suited for both training and tournament hosting. The spacious layout also provides comfort, allowing players to move freely during matches or practice sessions.
"My first impression is that this is the most comfortable and largest venue in Kudus. It is spacious, and the tables meet the standards for both training and tournaments. The service is also excellent," he said.
For Jenggo, venues like The Junction are vital to athlete development as they offer access to facilities that closely simulate actual match conditions. He added that athletes must participate in various competitions to gain experience and build a competitive track record necessary for selection to higher levels.
"Places like this are highly supportive of uncovering young talent in Kudus. Athletes need to join various matches to establish the achievements required for selection to the next level," he explained.
Beyond observing facility improvements, Jenggo noted a shift in public perception toward billiards. While the sport was often stigmatized when he first began playing, the proliferation of competitions on social media has helped position billiards as a legitimate competitive sport.
"Things have changed. Many events are shared on social media, so the public recognizes billiards as a competitive sport. The perception is far more positive now," he said.
Following its opening, The Junction hosted its first tournament as part of an effort to grow the billiards community in Kudus.
Fadhilatul Fithri noted that the Nine Ball Mini Tournament took place on July 22, 2026, featuring categories 3, 3+, 4C, and 4B, with a total prize pool of Rp7.5 million.
In addition to fostering competition, the tournament served as a test for the team's capacity to host larger-scale events.
"We wanted to assess our team's readiness and gauge public interest in our events," she said.
The competition drew 32 participants from the former Pati Residency and other parts of Central Java. Fadhilatul Fithri noted that registration slots were filled shortly after they opened.
"Registration filled up immediately. The public response was so overwhelming that we struggled to accommodate all the applicants," she added.
The public was invited to watch the matches in person. Fadhilatul Fithri hopes that such tournaments can become a regular fixture, helping to strengthen the billiards ecosystem in Kudus.
The opening of The Junction expands the range of athletic activities available to Kudus residents and tourists alike. Repurposing the former Wergu Station site demonstrates how historic spaces can be revitalized for modern use while preserving their inherent cultural heritage.
The venue provides a comfortable recreational space for residents to enjoy billiards, while simultaneously offering local athletes a dedicated facility for consistent training and competitive preparation.
Proposed plans to introduce additional sports facilities signal the management's objective to transform The Junction into a comprehensive athletic hub catering to all age groups.
By converting this historic landmark into a modern sports center, the former Wergu Station enters a new chapter. It is no longer defined solely by its role in Kudus’ transportation history, but has emerged as a vibrant venue connecting sports, community engagement, and public activity. (JMY/mainkekudus)
