Java Sugar Steam 2007 - 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). Only at Tasik Madu does active steam locomotive activity remain and that is slightly tarnished by the mill's entry into the tourist market.

Click here for a photo gallery from the LCGB tour, courtesy of Robin Patrick.

14. KALIBAGOR Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. 4 and 5 were transferred to Sumberharjo in 2000 (and then scrapped!), leaving only 7 here as 6 went to Gondang Baru some years ago. 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 although (former Rendeng) 8 is allegedly kept as spare.

16. CEPER BARU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. 7 and 8 have appeared at Gondang Baru, presumably for the museum although 8 was later sold to Graham Lee in the UK.

17. COLOMADU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. On 21st September 2002, 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

The mill held its "cembengan" ceremonies on 12th May 2007 which is a clear sign that the season will start in a week or two's time. Thanks to Doni Setiawan for this information (added 15th May 2007). Doni adds (18th June 2007) that Luttermoller VI is out of action needing repairs. Latest news (25th July 2007) is that the mill has closed the line which runs up from the far loading point and less steam is in use this year as a result. A July 2007 visitor found 1, 5, V and XIV working with VI under major repair, by August 5B had joined the active roster. Tram engine IX has been plinthed after years covered in bat shit in the cape gauge shed. I am happy to report that, by late September, Steve Noon found that VI had been restored to good health and the far loading point was back in action.

Click here for pictures of the Tasik Madu 2002 roster in steam, this is one of the best mills in Java for action. Up to six locomotives can be expected to be in use again (III, V, VI, 5A, 7A, XIV), the number tends to increase as the season progresses and more bagasse is available. The vertical boiler steam roller can operated if notice is given - click here for it in action in 2003, my 2006 group found its antics a delight as usual. Beware though, there are tourist trains here at the weekends with a decorated I. They have now drastically increased their charges to Rp 100,000 per person per visit, discountable on request for large groups. 4, 7 and 15 have been stuffed and mounted minus all fittings, rods, tanks etc. As always, the Railway Touring Company believes in creative advertising for their 2007 trip: "Here we have a special steam charter out into the fields." It won't get very far, of course, although some of track was reinstated as part of a loop for the tourist train in 2006.

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