Java Sugar Steam 2003 - 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 (as a mill) 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

Tasik Madu begin milling in early June using the same seven locomotives as in 2002. I was here on 29th/30th June and found six steam locomotives (and three diesels) in use. 1 was having a boiler tube replaced on shed. Click here for pictures of the Tasik Madu 2002 roster in steam. Click here for Tasik Madu's vertical boiler steam roller in action in 2003. I visited on 13th September and found it very quiet with the season expected to end on 15th September,

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