The Historic Sugar Mills of Java

Gula Java - The Historic Sugar Mills of Java

Now available - Gula Java DVDs!
Click here for more information.

70 years ago, the steam powered sugar mills of Java represented 'state of the art' technology and the island ranked second only to Cuba in world sugar production. Remarkably much of that machinery remains in use at the start of the 21st century and is in effect a living museum of the steam age. Since 2002, I have been researching the mills and their machinery, I have been granted complete freedom of access by the authorities and this is a definitive record of their operation.

This CD is designed to promote a greater awareness of the industrial heritage represented by these mills both inside Indonesia and across the rest of the world.

There are more than 1250 pictures Each image is designed to be presented on a full 1024 x 768 or 800x600 (sVGA) screen using 'Hi-color setting'. Apart from a few which have appeared on my web site, none of the pictures have ever been published and this is the definitive record of these sugar mills and their largely steam powered/driven machinery:

Features hundreds of working stationary steam engines ranging from large 450HP mill engines to the smallest simplex pump.
Introductory section covering all the main stages of production with pictures from over 30 mills - harvesting, transportation (steam locomotives!), milling, clarification, evaporation, crystalisation, centrifugation and bagging
Detailed coverage of 8 more mills with a high proportion of stationary steam, Karangsuwung, Gondang Baru, Purwodadi, Rejosari, Krembung, Tulangan, Wringinanom and Olean, together with process diagrams and equipment location diagrams.
Includes other machinery to put the use of the stationary engines in context and simple technical explanations of the sugar processing for non-experts.
Mill location maps

For an introduction to the sugar mills and some more pictures please click here.

"Gula Java" is available
at £20.00 (U$ 36, Euros 30) post paid (airmail) anywhere in the World.

For full ordering information please send an email to , indicating where you would like the DVDs sent and we will advise available methods which will avoid excessive bank charges. Alternatively you can use this Paypal account but please make the payment in GBP (British Pounds) if possible, we would prefer UK residents to send a cheque or make online payment, we can advise an address/account.

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