Java Sugar Steam 2002 - Central Java South Coast

These mills were operated originally by PNP XVI which became part of PNP XV/XVI, subsequently PTP XV/XVI which is now known as PTP Nusantara IX. It took me a long time to sort out these mills because this was not an interesting area for main line steam in the 70s. In their prime Gondang Baru and Tasik Madu provided some of my favourite rides and photos. However, this area has really prospered in recent times which means that the mills have suffered badly from loss of labour (to new factories) and growing land (to housing as the towns and cities expand). Future prospects for steam (and its mills) are very poor with Kalibagor, Ceper Baru and Colomadu reported closed during the 1998 season. I would not expect Gondang Baru to last much longer and standards at even Tasik Madu have slipped in the last few years.

14. KALIBAGOR Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. 4 and 5 were transferred to Sumberharjo in 2000, probably leaving only 7 here as 6 went to Gondang Baru some years ago. I have since been told 7 is now at Gondang Baru, quite why I don't know!

15. GONDANG BARU Mill Index

This mill did not use its steam locomotives in 1999 and closed its field lines. Unlikely to have used them at all since then.

16. CEPER BARU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season.

17. COLOMADU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. On 21st September, I found the 4 remaining steam locos locked up with the mill derelict - all electrical equipment had been removed but there were still many stationary engines left. 

18. TASIK MADU Mill Index

I had no reason to doubt that 2002 would see a repeat of 2001 action and indeed a quick afternoon visit on 2nd July 2002 saw the same active steam fleet and the mill utterly clogged with cane. During the afternoon of 13th July we saw all in steam although there was relatively little action, next morning was busy in patches as the mill struggled to clear a large backlog of cane. On 11th/12th August the mill was typically busy with locos flying here and there, model railway style. The mill was still very busy on 21st/22nd September, locals expected it to continue into October..

Click here for pictures of the Tasik Madu 2002 roster in steam.

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