KBRN, Sawahlunto: The legendary steam locomotive, "Mak Itam" (Black Mother), was brought back to life for the International Symposium "We Are Site Managers" held from August 23 to 27, 2025. During the event, Mak Itam completed eight round trips, connecting Sawahlunto Station with Muarakalaban Station.

Its distinctive steam whistle sparked cheers from visitors and brought back a wave of nostalgia for the city's mining life of the past. This event symbolized Sawahlunto's resurgence through heritage tourism, which has now gained global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mak Itam, officially designated as the E1060 series steam locomotive, was built in Germany in 1966 and holds legendary status. In its prime, the black locomotive was formidable, conquering the steep, cog-rail tracks of the West Sumatran highlands.

Sawahlunto Station itself was inaugurated on January 1, 1894, serving as the central hub for the Ombilin coal mining operation. From this station, coal was transported to Teluk Bayur Port via a descending mountain rail line.

"Sawahlunto Station and Mak Itam are not just relics of the past. They hold a grand narrative about the industry, technology, and social interaction that shaped this city. KAI (State-owned railways company) is committed to preserving this heritage so it remains alive and can be enjoyed by cross-generational audiences," said KAI VP Public Relations Anne Purba on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

When the mining industry declined in the early 2000s, Sawahlunto temporarily lost the pulse of its once-bustling city life. However, revitalization efforts led to the station's official conversion into a Railway Museum on December 17, 2005.

The museum's inauguration, performed by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, marked a new chapter for Indonesia's transportation heritage. Mak Itam now stands proudly on the front grounds, no longer pulling mining wagons, but tourists.

Today, the Sawahlunto Railway Museum is part of the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (WTBOS) recognized by UNESCO. The station rooms have been transformed into interactive galleries featuring telegraph machines, signal lamps, and mining documents.

"The transformation of Sawahlunto Station has breathed new life back into the city. The station area is now a community stage, an educational space, and a cultural tourism destination. Sawahlunto proves that railway tracks not only connect cities but also connect the past with the future," added Anne Purba.

For tourists, the museum is more than just a place for photos, it is a space for reflection on the journey of human beings and technology. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jakarta time, and Saturday to Sunday/Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Jakarta time.

"Wow, I've been to Sawahlunto Station, but it was a long time ago with my family for a holiday. The principle is that any train journey, regardless of the destination, always leaves interesting stories that stand the test of time," said Pujo, a passenger from Jakarta. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)