De Tjolomadoe, The Historic Sugar Factory Revitalized By PTPP To Become A World Class Heritage Tourism Destination

JAKARTA - A historic building in Central Java has now transformed into a heritage tourism icon that combines history, culture and modernity. De Tjolomodoe, which used to be a Colomadu Sugar Factory, is now present as an international-class tourist destination thanks to the revitalization project led by PT PP (Persero) Tbk together with PT Sinergi Colomadu.

The project, which took place in 2017-2018, managed to revive a sugar factory more than a century old without eliminating its historical identity. With a careful conservation approach and architectural innovation, De Tjolomadoe is now not only a cultural tourism center, but also a multifunctional space for various arts, business and entertainment activities.

The Colomadu Sugar Factory was founded in 1861 by Sultan Mangkunegara IV and was once one of the largest sugar factories in the Dutch East Indies. However, since stopping operating in 1998, this building has experienced severe degradation.

Realizing the historical value contained, the government through the Ministry of SOEs initiated a revitalization project so that this site can be re-functioned.

PT PP (Persero) Tbk (PTPP), as a leading construction company, plays an important role in this project by presenting design innovations that maintain the authenticity of the building structure while adjusting it to current needs.

Various original elements such as sugarcane milling machines and the main building structure are maintained, making De Tjolomadoe a living museum that brings visitors back to the heyday of the Indonesian sugar industry. The revitalization of De Tjolomadoe is not just a restoration of old buildings, but also a total rebranding that brings new experiences to tourists.

Tourists from Malang revealed that the Museum's tourism idea is full of history and very interesting, especially with an additional different experience such as driving an Antique Car.

Some of the main innovations implemented in this project include architectural conservation where the building structure is strengthened by beam transfer to make it stronger without changing its original shape. Not only that, PTPP is utilizing existing sesin. The old machines used for sugar production are now a design element that enriches the museum's aesthetic value.

Regarding design, carried out with Modern Interior Design which is a combination of industrial styles with modern touch creates a unique atmosphere that combines the past and the present. Rebranding and development of facilities are also carried out. This is intended so that the public can see from sugar factories to heritage tourism centers, MICE spaces (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions), and commercial areas.

Now, De Tjolomadoe offers not only historical tourism, but also interactive experiences and international standard facilities, such as the De Tjolomadoe Museum which displays the history of sugar factories with various original collections and relic machines. There is also a CAfé 'Representing an industrial atmosphere with a typical culinary choice.

In addition, we can visit the Commercial & Creative Space Area, which is a place for MSME players and the creative industry to develop. Another one at the location is the MICE Venue which is a meeting and entertainment facility such as Tjolomadoe Concert Hall, Sarkara Multifunction Hall, and Amphitheater Outdoor, which has become the location for concerts and international events.

With this concept, De Tjolomodoe not only attracts tourists, but also becomes the center of cultural and economic activities that have a positive impact on the surrounding community.

"From Surabaya, we went all the way to De Tjolomadoe, it was very interesting and definitely played here again with family. Historical values make De Tjolomadoe very interesting," explained one of the tourists.

The success of this project cannot be separated from the role of PT PP (Persero) Tbk in presenting designs and constructions that prioritize a balance between preservation and innovation. Thanks to this approach, De Tjolomadoe won various prestigious awards, including: Indonesia Leading Heritage Convention Center 2024/2025, Abiwara Tourism in 2019,ori Awards 2019 Innovation in Brand Renovation/Re-Branding, New Achievement Asia Pacific Award 2020, MURI Record (2018) Most Tumpeng (17,854 pieces) and MURI Record (2019) Largest Ginger Flavor Gulali Painting in Indonesia

In the future, there will be tour packages with Prambanan and Borobudur Temples, combining Nature, Culture and History Tourism supported by PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) as one of De Tjolomodoe's shareholders.

As a heritage tourism icon, De Tjolomadoe continues to be developed to become a center for leading arts, culture and tourism in Indonesia. By maintaining historical value while adapting modern innovation, this area is expected to be a successful model for revitalizing other historic buildings.