The Cepu Forestry Railway

Tropical Java varies in environment from tropical rain forest to dry savanna. In the north of the island the area north of Cepu is covered with the remains of dry tropical forest, mainly teak. About 100 years ago the Dutch established a system of harvesting the high value timber, clearing areas in rotation and replanting. Teak grows slowly and a complete cycle takes about 80 years.

To remove the cut timber, a railway was built (1067mm gauge, the same as the main line). Fortunately much of it survives to this day although in recent years, most wood has come out by road and the railway would not survive if it were not for tourist trains.

As a matter of policy, the administering authority (Perhutani) have deliberately maintained traditional methods to encourage employment and reduce the risk of 'poaching' of the timber. Hence extraction is under mechanised and on 19th August 1986, the most modern element in the picture is the simmering steam locomotive. (RD)