Historical Evolution of Rail Transport in Colonial Indonesia: Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi
Author: Siti Nurnabilah Binti Aidy Nahar (282023)

The development of rail transport in Indonesia, particularly in Java, was influenced by both economic and strategic considerations during the colonial era. Most railway lines in Indonesia served dual purposes, catering to both economic and military needs. For instance, the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS or NISM), a private company, was required to build a railway line to Ambarawa as a condition for financial assistance. This line connected to an important military base named Fort Willem I, reflecting the strategic significance of the railway network. The strategic nature of railway construction is further exemplified by the decision to build the first state railway line through the mountains in the southern part of Java, rather than the flat regions in the north, for similar strategic reasons. This underscores the intertwined relationship between railway development and military considerations during the colonial period.

The state railway in Java connected Anyer on the western coast of the island to Banyuwangi on the eastern coast, further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the railway network in serving both economic and strategic interests.

The historical context of railway development in Indonesia provides a compelling narrative that intertwines colonial enterprise, military strategy, and economic expansion. This dual-purpose approach to railway construction underscores the multifaceted role of rail transport in shaping Indonesia's infrastructure and historical landscape.

Construction of a railway line in Banyuwangi (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Evolution of Railways in Sumatra: A Fusion of Military, Economic, and Industrial Needs

In Sumatra, the development of railways initially served military purposes, with the first railway line connecting Banda Aceh and its port of Uleelhee in 1876. This railway, known as the Atjeh Staats Spoorwegen (ASS), was initially built to a 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) gauge, which was later regauged to 750 mm (2 ft 5+1⁄2 in) and extended south. The line was transferred to the Ministry of Colonies from the Ministry of War on January 1, 1916, following the relative pacification of Aceh.

In Western Sumatra, the state railway in the Minangkabau area, known as the Staatsspoorwegen ter Sumatra's Westkust (SSS), was constructed between 1891 and 1894 to transport coal from inland mines to the port at Padang. The Southern Sumatra's state railway, the Staatsspoorwegen op Zuid-Sumatra (ZSS), completed in the 1930s, served a fertile plantation area and an important coal mine. Additionally, the Deli Spoorweg Maatschappij (DSM) operated an important private railway line, serving regions producing rubber and tobacco in Deli. The historical development of railways in Sumatra reflects the multifaceted role of rail transport in serving military, economic, and industrial needs. The strategic significance of these railway lines in supporting military operations and facilitating the transportation of key resources underscores the diverse impact of rail infrastructure in Sumatra's historical and economic landscape.

Rail yard in Medan, June 1950 (source: (Wikipedia Contributors, 2023)

Sulawesi railway line and its short-lived operation during the early 20th century

Sulawesi had a brief history of railway operations between 1922 and 1930. A 47-kilometer (29-mile) railway line connected Makassar and Takalar in South Sulawesi. This line was part of an ambitious plan to expand Indonesia's railway network to Borneo and Sulawesi, connect existing railway systems in Sumatra, and electrify the main lines in Java. However, the economic downturn caused by the Great Depression of 1929 forced the cancellation of these plans, and the Sulawesi railway line was eventually discontinued in 1930.

Despite the short-lived nature of its railway operations, Sulawesi's experience highlights the broader context of railway development in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era. The colonial government viewed railways as a crucial tool for resource exploitation, facilitating the transportation of agricultural products and raw materials to ports for export. The planned expansion of the railway network to Borneo and Sulawesi further underscores this aim, as it would have opened up new areas for resource extraction and facilitated the movement of goods to international markets.

The Great Depression's impact on Indonesia's railway development serves as a reminder of the economic and political factors that shaped the country's infrastructure projects during the colonial period. The sudden economic downturn forced the cancellation of ambitious plans, including the expansion of the railway network to Sulawesi, and had a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure development trajectory.While Sulawesi's railway operations were short-lived, they provide a glimpse into the broader context of colonial infrastructure development and the economic forces that shaped its progress.

Staatssporwegen inaugurated the first tram line in Sulawesi. The line that connects Pasarbutung-Takalar is 12 km (Source: media-kitlv.nl)

Featured-Image-Jakarta-Bandung-High-Speed-Rail-Indonesia.webp

Japanese Occupation's Impact on Rail Transport in Indonesia

During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia between 1942 and 1945, the different railway lines in Java were managed as one entity, while the Sumatra systems remained separate under the administration of a different branch of the Japanese armed forces. The occupiers converted the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge lines in Java into 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in), effectively resolving the dual gauge issue.

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