Indonesia's First Electric Locomotive Exhibited at Tanjung Priok Station

TheIndonesia.id - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) exhibited the 97-year-old electric locomotive ESS3201 at Tanjung Priok Railway Station, North Jakarta, in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The ESS3201 locomotive, nicknamed the Bon-Bon locomotive, is the first electric locomotive operating in Indonesia made by the Werkspoor factory in the Netherlands.

"We show that KAI is preserving historical heritage rather than rolling stock," said KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo at Tanjung Priok Station, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

The locomotive was run during the inauguration of the first electrification of the railway line on the Tanjung Priok - Meester Cornelis (Jatinegara) route on April 6, 1925.

Hartantyo explained that the electric train line in Batavia (Jakarta) marked the opening of an environmentally friendly mass public transportation system. The Bon-Bon locomotive was also one of the most advanced transportation systems in Asia at that time.

At that time, electric trains had become the mainstay of transportation for commuters (commuters), especially for commuters who lived in Bogor and worked in Jakarta. "We run this locomotive from Kota Station to Tanjung Priok Station which was built in 1914. This activity was carried out on August 17, 2022, as an encouragement to all of us about an independent Indonesia, we want to recover faster and rise stronger after the pandemic," he said.

In addition to exhibiting the Bon-Bon locomotive, KAI also exhibited two Djoko Kendil trains which were first operated in 1938. The Djoko Kendil train serves the Nacht Express luxury train from Surabaya - Yogyakarta - Purwokerto - Jakarta. Djoko Kendil's train consists of two trains that have also been given new numbers, namely IW 3821 and IW 38221.

The name Djoko Kendil is taken from the story of a princess from the Kingdom of Brawijaya who falls in love with Djoko Kendil, a young commoner. The train was manufactured from the Beynes factory in the Netherlands and restored by KAI at Balai Yasa Manggarai to restore its former glory. After being restored, the total capacity of the Djoko Kendil train is 41 seats with balcony facilities, main room, mini bar, lounge, and dining or meeting room.

"We are consistent in preserving the original form of the building and will continue to improve services," said Hartantyo.

Furthermore, he conveyed that the train during the Indonesian struggle for independence was the only transportation that could be relied upon not only for the sake of transporting the people's army of struggle but also for transportation of military logistics and the transfer of government officials during the struggle.

The journey of the Bon-Bon locomotive and the Djoko Kendil train is expected to rekindle the spirit of love for the country and to remember the progress of the railroads that have accompanied the Indonesian nation from colonial times to independence as it is today. Hartantyo also expressed his appreciation to the railway lovers who have given many suggestions for the progress and preservation of historical railway objects.

"We as the next generation of railroad personnel will continue to maintain and build railways so that they are even better in providing services to the entire community. KAI is committed to being the best transportation ecosystem solution for Indonesia," he explained.

The head of the Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS) Ricky Dirjo said the Bon-Bon locomotive and Djoko Kendil train are historical heritages that are still in function and can be seen by the public. He advised that the exhibition as well as the journey of the Bon-Bon locomotive and Djoko Kendil train could continue in the future.

"If possible later on the anniversary of KAI, (the Bon-Bon locomotive) can be run because it has a history of traveling to Bogor. Maybe that can be considered when retracing the Indonesian Railways to Bogor," said Ricky.