Java Sugar Steam 2004 - Central Java North Coast

These mills were operated originally by PNP XV which became part of PNP XV/XVI, subsequently PTP XV/XVI which is now known as PTP Nusantara IX. They have a large number of steam locos, most operating to the fields in the traditional manner but they have the universal attribute of doing most of their most interesting work during the hours of darkness - presumably to balance the road deliveries which tend to be made during the day time. These days the mills charge a uniform RP 50000 per visitor. After a reduction in activity reflecting the industry's problems in 1999/2000, steam activity seems reasonably stable, Sragi especially being a bright spot at least till the end of 2003! On the dark side it appears beer has been banned from sale in Pekalongan, for the last few years I have had to import some from elsewhere.

7. BANJARATMA Mill Index

This mill closed at the end of the 1997 season.. Two of its diesel locomotives have gone to Tasik Madu, the steam locomotives are stored and being of 750mm gauge are unlikely to find use elsewhere - the only remaining working mill with this gauge is Tasik Madu and this has more than enough locos for the traffic on offer. The estate still grows sugar as part of the Jatibarang administered area, but virtually all the track has been lifted and the cane goes out by truck. I visited the mill on 4th July 2002. Much of the machinery had been stripped for spare parts and all the non-ferrous material on the locomotives had been systematically removed, officially for other mills but I would guess it had been stolen for scrap. Anyway the locomotives are now absolutely useless.

8. JATIBARANG Mill Index

Although the mill now has two Japanese diesels from Cepiring, steam activity is hanging on here. Began milling in early June, as in 2003 1, 2,  5, 10 and 12 were in use at various times looking much smarter than usual. This was 2003.

9. PANGKA Mill Index

Began milling in early June, with steam at work in the yard as usual. 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 are in use, repainted orange, although at the end of June, two diesels were on the yard fulls as well as steam.

10. SUMBERHARJO Mill Index

Milling started in late May. 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 all worked here in 2003 but don't expect to see much daylight movement here. In 2004, 3 was a regular performer on the ash train, the mud apparently being trucked out.

11. SRAGI Mill Index

Click here for pictures of the Sragi 2002 roster in steam (except OK 0-8-0T 8, and 19).

Began milling in mid June. Sragi is one of 2004's disasters. The field lines have been lifted, and only six steam locos (1, 5, 7, 10, 12, 16) are still in use working the road yard with the diesels...

12. CEPIRING Mill Index

The mill was closed at the end of the 1997 season. I visited in September 2003 as part of my mill machinery survey. One of the locomotives is dumped outside the shed, the rest are inside with undergrowth rapidly taking over.

13. RENDENG Mill Index

All 6 steam locos here have been in store for more than 10 years except 8 which was transferred to Gondang Baru and used there until they closed their field lines. They were still here on 7th July 2000, looking more and more decrepit although I would guess not beyond salvation.

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