LokaLaku News – As you step through the grand colonial columns of the House of Sampoerna, the first thing you notice is the distinct, aromatic scent of cloves. This is the first clue that you are entering not just a museum, but a living, breathing time capsule where the history of one of Indonesia's most iconic brands unfolds right before your eyes.
Located in the heart of old Surabaya, the House of Sampoerna is a masterfully preserved complex that functions as both a historical museum and a still-operating kretek (clove cigarette) factory. It’s this unique combination that makes it one of the most captivating and multi-sensory attractions in the city, offering a fascinating look into a major piece of Indonesian heritage and industry.
A Founder's Legacy
The museum itself, housed in a magnificent Dutch colonial building originally constructed as an orphanage, beautifully chronicles the rags-to-riches story of its founder, Liem Seeng Tee. Through fascinating exhibits of old equipment, classic packaging, and family memorabilia, visitors trace the journey of Sampoerna from a small home industry to a national icon. The centerpiece is often the founder's luxurious Rolls-Royce, a symbol of his incredible success.
The Mesmerizing Art of Hand-Rolling
The true highlight for many awaits on the second floor. Through a large glass window, a viewing gallery looks down upon a vast production floor where hundreds of workers, mostly women, sit in neat rows. Here, you can witness a mesmerizing spectacle: the traditional art of hand-rolling cigarettes. With incredible dexterity and speed, their hands become a blur of motion, cutting, rolling, and packing cigarettes at a pace that is almost hypnotic to watch. It is a powerful and unforgettable display of human skill.
The House of Sampoerna is more than a monument to a brand; it's a vibrant celebration of Indonesian entrepreneurship, heritage, and the enduring power of the human touch.
For bookings and inquiries, travelers can reach Lokalaku Trip via:
WhatsApp: +6281-331-421-031
Email: lokalakutrip@gmail.com