Trains Once Ran to Bantul: Its Lasting Legacies Today

Amid discussions on developing railway lines in Bantul Regency, few are aware that this area has a long history in railroading dating back to the Dutch colonial period. From the late 19th to early 20th century, Bantul was a key point in the rail network built by the Dutch private railway company Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS). The Bantul railway line did not extend to tourist beach areas like Parangtritis. However, it stretched from Yogyakarta’s Tugu Station southwards, passing through the centre of Bantul Regency to areas like Palbapang, Srandakan, and Sewugalur. During its heyday, the Yogyakarta–Srandakan–Sewugalur (Yogyakarta-Bantul) line served as the main connector between Bantul, central Yogyakarta, and surrounding regions. The existence of this line was inseparable from the rapid development of the sugar industry in the colonial era. Several sugar factories, such as PG Padokan, PG Cebongan, and PG Pundong, utilised the railway to transport plantation products to various distribution points. Local trains on this line were even known as “Sepur Pancen”, becoming part of the socio-economic life of Bantul’s community at the time. Entering the 1970s to 1980s era, the sugar industry began to fade, and the role of the railway line was gradually replaced by other land transport modes such as public transport and more advanced and faster private vehicles. As logistical and transportation needs declined, operations of the Bantul railway line eventually ceased completely. The once-busy rail tracks are now neglected, with parts covered by road developments, settlements, or other public facilities that have evolved with the times. Although no longer operational, several railway infrastructure remnants in Bantul can still be found today. Some of them even stand relatively intact, though no longer in use. Here are some former stations that can still be seen: Former Ngabean Station – The station building still stands behind Ngabean Parking Park. Former Winongo Station – The station building structure is still visible, though it has been repurposed. Former Bantul Station – One of the station buildings in relatively preserved condition. Former Palbapang Station – The station building still exists and has been repurposed as a terminal. Traces of old rails can also still be found at several points, especially in the Bantul Road area, before that region underwent widening and road improvements.