Java Sugar Steam 2003 - Madiun Area Mills

The Madiun mills are operated by PTP Nusantara XI.  There is clearly room for rationalisation in this area.  I would not be surprised if a couple of these mills closed soon, Kanigoro and Soedhono (even Rejosari) would seem to be the most likely candidates. 1998 proved to be a disastrous year for steam around Madiun, and 1999 turned out to be even worse. 2000 was similar to 1999, the number of active locos was much less than half what it was four years ago and I was surprised to find 2001 a little better and 2002/3 much the same overall.

19. SOEDHONO Mill Index

100% diesel operation in 2002/3. Several of the steam locomotives look as if they could easily be returned to activity but I can't see it happening.

20. PURWODADI Mill Index

I found it working as in 2002 on 29th June. The picture says it all!

.21. REJOSARI Mill Index

Started milling in mid-June. Initially 10 was in use with the big diesel (Agung), although 7 was in steam on June 29th as spare engine. 6 is also available.

With no other photographers in sight, each run produces several pictures....

I was here with my tour group on 31st July and on my own on 14th September, the situation was similar on both occasions. Like all the mills, it can't last for ever, if you have never seen 10 in action you really ought to make an effort to do so soon.

22. KANIGORO Mill Index

Has reopened as normal, on 29th June 6 was shunting and 1 was being lit up. On 1st August morning, both were in use, 6 on cane loris and 1 on the mud train.

23. PAGOTTAN Mill Index

It was a long time since I had been to Pagottan, but the need to document the mill machinery brought me there on 29th June. After some years out of use, 6 was shunting the mill and 3 was in steam as stand-by. 8 was loaded up with bagasse but cold. The increase in diesel prices may have had some effect here. On 1st August, 8 was in use with 3 cold and 6 under (minor) repair. Worth watching for 2004.

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