Living History: The Lost Colonial Homes of Sewugalur
If you walk down the roads near the old sugar factory site (Pabrik Gula Sewugalur), you’ll find yourself stepping straight into the 1920s.
Built around 1918 during the factory’s golden era, a row of grand, Indis-style colonial houses still lines the neighborhood, split into eastern and southern clusters. Originally, there were over 20 of these official residences built for the Dutch administrators, engineers, and chemists. Today, about ten survive, characterized by their massive doors, soaring ceilings, and original patterned cement tiles (teghel) designed to beat the tropical heat.
While the sugar mill itself was entirely leveled during the independence war, chatting with the residents and seeing these beautifully weathered buildings offers a rare, intimate look at a forgotten chapter of Kulon Progo’s past.
Also read the posts about Rumah Indis Sunartedjo and Kerkhof Sewugular.
