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Surakarta introduces vintage tourist train Joko Kendil
The 99-year-old train will serve a 7-kilometer route from Purwosari Station to Sangkrah Station in Surakarta, Central Java.
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The D 1410 steam locomotive arrives at Purwosari Station in Surakarta, Central Java, on Feb. 6. (surakarta.go.id/File)
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he Surakarta city administration in Central Java has collaborated with state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) to operate an old steam locomotive as a tourist train.
Named KA Joko Kendil, the 99-year-old D 1410 steam locomotive and its cars were recently restored.
“It is the only D 1410 train in the world that can still function,” Edi Sukmoro, president director of PT KAI, told tempo.co on the train's launch on Sunday in Surakarta, Central Java.
He added that the locomotive was created by German producer Hanomag in 1921, while the antique cars are were manufactured in the Netherlands in 1938 and were used for luxury-class passengers.
Read also: Traveling back in time in Ambarawa
Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi “Rudy” Rudyatmo said the train would serve a 7-kilometer route from Purwosari Station to Sangkrah Station.
“If possible, it will reach Wonogiri [Station],” he added.
According to kompas.com, the city administration and PT KAI teamed up in 2009 to operate an old steam locomotive named Sepur Kluthuk Jaladara or the Jaladara tourist train.
The train will take passengers on a journey from Purwosari Station to Solo Balapan Station. During the 6-km trip, the vintage train will make stops at popular tourist attractions, such as Loji Gandrung, Sriwedari Park, Triwindu antique market and batik centers in Gladag and Kauman.
Edi said that vintage trains had attracted travelers from Indonesia and abroad. He hoped the Joko Kendil tourist train will further improve the city's tourism. (wir/wng)
