Facts About Banjaratma Former Sugar Factory Rest Area

How are you preparing for the upcoming Eid homecoming trip? If you’re still unsure about transportation, traveling by car could be a great option. It offers you more flexibility in choosing your route and travel time, not to mention a more relaxed journey.

When driving long distances, especially during Eid, the most important thing is to ensure you’re in prime physical condition. Long hours behind the wheel can be tiring. If you start feeling fatigued, don’t push yourself—take a break and rest.

Fortunately, there are plenty of rest areas along the homecoming route. If you are traveling via the Trans-Java toll road, you’ll find around 70 rest areas where you can stretch your legs, recharge, or grab a bite to eat.

One of the most popular is the KM 260 B Banjaratma Heritage Rest Area, located in a repurposed sugar factory. In addition to the many MSME (UMKM) food stalls, the main attraction is its iconic architectural design.

But before diving into the interesting facts about this former sugar factory, here’s a tip for those of you planning a road trip but don’t have access to a car—no worries. Car rental services are here to help.

TRAC is one of the top choices for car rentals. With over 38 years of experience, TRAC offers reliable solution for all transportation needs, including your Eid homecoming trip.

TRAC provides a wide selection of vehicles, from MPVs and SUVsto City Cars—all well-maintained, high-quality, and under 5 years old.

3 Facts About the Banjaratma Heritage Rest Area

Location

This rest area is located in Brebes Regency, Central Java, at KM 260 B on the Pemalang-Pejagan section of the Trans-Java toll road heading toward Jakarta.

It’s a great place to stop on your return trip from your hometown—take a break, snap some photos, and enjoy the unique historic setting.

Operating Since 1908

According to detik.com, the building that now houses this heritage rest area was once the Banjaratma Sugar Factory, established in 1908. It was owned by a Dutch company based in Amsterdam, N.V. Cultuur Maatschappij.

This information is drawn from archival records of Cultuur, Handel-en Industrie Bank Koloniale Bank, and Cultuur Bank NV, which listed sugar factories across Java.

Built on a 10.5-hectare site, the factory operated for around 90 years before suffering major lossesand ceasing operations—leaving buildings abandoned.

Bankrupt and Repurposed

After years of financial difficulty, the Banjaratma Sugar Factory officially shut down in 1997. The once-proud buildings fell into disrepair, with parts of the structure even collapsing.

In 2019, during the major development of rest areas along the Trans-Java toll road, the site was revitalized by a consortium of state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and reopened as a heritage rest area.

The restoration preserved the factory’s iconic red brick architecture,giving it a distinctive and attractive look that now draws travelers, especially during holiday seasons and the current Eid period.

Today, the Banjaratma KM 260 B Heritage Rest Area offers complete facilities—from UMKM food stalls and clean restrooms to a spacious mosque.

Car Rental for Your Eid Homecoming with TRAC

Make your trip more affordable with TRAC’s Early Bird Eid Car Rental Package, starting from Rp300,000. This special offer is valid from March 24 to April 6, 2025.

Planning to head home early and return a bit later? TRAC also offers monthly car rentals, so you can stay longer without worrying about extra charges.

For easy booking, visit the TRAC website homepage or use the TRACtoGo app, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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