Conservation of 18th Century Java Industrial Heritage

Abstract

Industries and trading have important roles in the development of the city. Sugar industries in Java developed by the Dutch were influenced by Industrial Revolution. Sugar trade worldwide was related to transportation that included train, railways and bridges and lately came to harbor. Industrial activities, such as industrial heritage, steam machineries, locomotives and carriages, railway heritage, bridges, and anything related to industrial culture played a critical role in Indonesia’s economic and social development that began in the late 18th century. The significance of study is that trade activities influenced urban development that also included architectural development. These activities generated a rich heritage of built structures, artifacts and records. But this heritage is at risk due to the growth and modernization of the Indonesian economy. Financial pressures result in the demolition of obsolete facilities located in urban areas, equipment is sold for scrap, and records are discarded. The purpose of the study is conservation of industrial building equipment and emplacement surrounded area. The method of the study was by historical method by tracing sugar history; agriculture, process of production, architectural record, trading activities and spread out of sugar industries in Java. Preservation of industrial heritage could play an important part in attracting visitors, as an alternative and complement to the island's more conventional tourists attractions.