We have already mentioned that the importance of the town of Sukabumi flows in large part from its functions as the administrative, supply, storage, and social center of the estates in the surrounding area. The number of estates has declined since 1942 in response to prolonged insecurity, in particular the operation of illegal, armed groups in the area. A report of the Municipal Hall mentioned that before the war there were approximately 120 tea and rubber estates, of which about 80 were in operation after the war.