A Sweet History Turned Spooky and Educational

The Gondang Winangoen sugar factory in Klaten Regency, Central Java, has recently experienced a surge in public interest, not just for its historical significance, but also as the backdrop for the horror film Sugar Factory, released on March 31, 2025. The film, directed by Awi Suryadi, tells a chilling tale of mysterious deaths among the factory’s laborers.

However, beyond the cinematic scares, Gondang Winangoen boasts a rich and complex history, dating back to the Dutch colonial era, transforming from a key player in Java’s sugar production to a modern educational tourism destination.

Colonial Origins and Sugar Supremacy

Established in 1860 by Klatsche Cultuur Maatschappij, a private company from The Hague, the Gondang winangoen sugar factory was part of a larger network of plantations and sugar industries across Java. This network included notable estates such as sugar Estate Poendoeng in Yogyakarta, Sugar Estate mojo Sragen, and Sugar Estate Tanjong Modjo in Kudus.

During its peak, Java rivaled Cuba as a leading global sugar producer. In 1927, Klaten emerged as the epicenter of sugar production in the region, boasting eight active factories. Gondang winangoen stood out due to its comprehensive facilities and efficient operational systems.

The factory complex comprised essential infrastructure, including the main production building, garages, administrative offices, employee housing, warehouses for AMPAS (sugarcane pulp), and sugarcane scales. Its location on the slopes of Mount Merapi provided ideal conditions for sugarcane cultivation, enabling the factory to operate around the clock during the harvest season, which typically ran from May to September.

In the 18th century, Java competed with Cuba as a producer of world sugar.

Turbulence and Transition

The global economic crisis of the 1930s substantially impacted the factory’s operations. Though,between 1935 and 1942,Boerman and MF Bremmers revitalized sugar production. Following the Japanese occupation, the Indonesian government took control, placing the factory under the State sugar Company Organizing Agency (BPPGN).

In the 1960s, the factory was nationalized and renamed the New Gondang Sugar Factory. It continued operations until 2017,when sugar production ceased.

A New Chapter: Edutainment Tourism

Since 2009, the government has repurposed the former factory grounds into an educational tourist destination, preserving its colonial-era atmosphere. This transformation aligns with a growing trend in heritage tourism, where historical sites are reimagined to offer engaging and informative experiences. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), cultural tourism accounts for approximately 40% of global tourism revenue.

A key attraction is the sugar museum,established on September 11,1982,under the initiative of then-Governor of Central Java,Soepardjo Rustam. The museum showcases a collection of antique steam engines and sugar production equipment dating back to the 19th century, including a Braha Brissoneant Machine manufactured in France in 1884.

Beyond the museum, visitors can enjoy The Gondang Park, a family-friendly recreational area featuring swimming pools, water slides, high-rope courses, a flying fox, and a ghost house, catering to a diverse range of interests.

Balancing History and Entertainment

Gondang Winangoen’s transformation into an educational tourism destination demonstrates a successful blend of historical preservation and contemporary entertainment. By leveraging its rich past and incorporating modern attractions, the factory has created a unique experience that appeals to history buffs, families, and even horror enthusiasts. this innovative approach ensures that Gondang Winangoen remains a relevant and engaging destination for years to come, contributing to the local economy and preserving a vital piece of Indonesia’s industrial heritage.