Gula Java - Karangsuwung

Since 1995, three mills in the Cirebon area have closed and all were gutted/demolished during 2003. These were those at Kadhipaten, Jatiwangi and Gempol. Each had a very high proportion of steam powered machinery and it is a matter of regret that no proper record probably exists of them in their closing years.

The same company (PT Rajawali II) operates the mills at Karangsuwung, Sindanglaut and Tersana Baru, all contain significant numbers of stationary steam engines. Of the three, Karangsuwung (dating from 1867) has the greatest diversity of equipment and this is why it has been chosen to represent the West Java mills. Remarkably my first visit ever to Karangsuwung was in 2002 as it has not had steam locomotives in the last 25 years, but I have since been there several times.

Typically the mill will process about 1300 tonnes of cane per day with a maximum output of SHS quality sugar of just under 100 tonnes, making it one of the smallest of the Javan sugar mills and therefore one whose future is not assured. Its remote location will make it difficult to promote as an agro-tourist destination.