During a walk in Plumbon Village, Tawangmangu, Solo, Central Java, we came across an abandoned factory complex - a building that turned out to be a Citronella distillery facility established in 1963. Intrigued by the remaining facility and the unusual façade of the factory, we decided to dig deeper into its history.

 

The distillery factory—once intended to be the biggest in Asia - was a silent witness of the economic cooperation between Indonesia and Bulgaria. Plumbon village was selected as the site location due to its natural potentials that fit the planting of essential oil's ingredients. The water source that is critical to the distillation process was also available in large quantities from a river close by. With more than 30,000 typical plants for essential oils, Indonesia was a magnet for essential oil production and development in Asia, even in the world.

 

The factory went through a series of ownership exchanges until PT. Rumah Atsiri Indonesia decided to take over the establishment in 2015 and revived it today. We believe that the complex and its surrounding village was a reminder of Indonesia's abundance and potential to play an essential role in the global economy. We feel responsible for preserving and reviving the knowledge, skills, and innovation related to essential oils in Indonesia through edu-recreation, research, development, production, training, and provide a marketplace in Rumah Atsiri Indonesia.

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The factory’s journey—from its establishment in 1963 to its revival by PT. Rumah Atsiri Indonesia—symbolizes the vibrant history and potential of essential oil production in Indonesia. We are proud to contribute to this legacy.