CC204 KAI Biru

Introduced during the mid-1990s, the CC204 class marked a leap forward for Indonesia’s mainline locomotive fleet. Manufactured by General Motors’ EMD division, the CC204 built upon the strengths of the earlier CC203s by adding dynamic braking systems, allowing superior speed control when traversing mountainous terrain.

Sporting a striking blue-and-white livery, the CC204 locomotives exuded a more modern, professional image that resonated with PT Kereta Api’s renewed ambition to compete with road transport.

Technically, the locomotives utilized the powerful 16-cylinder 645F3B engines, pushing 2,150 horsepower to all six driven axles. This made them ideal for hauling fast passenger trains like Argo Bromo Anggrek, as well as heavy freights across Java’s long stretches.

Service life saw CC204s dominate premier executive routes for over a decade, revered for their reliability and strong hill-climbing capabilities.

Trivia: Enthusiasts often refer to CC204s as 'Prajurit Biru' (Blue Soldiers) because of their dominant presence in high-profile services and their distinctive color scheme.

Sleek diesel-electric locomotive with classic blue stripe livery, enhanced with dynamic brakes and full-length side panels.

Diesel-Electric Locomotive, General Motors Electro-Motive Division, EMD 16-645F3B prime mover, Co-Co wheel arrangement, dynamic braking system, 2,150 horsepower, max speed 120 km/h.

The CC204 series served as a critical bridge between Indonesia’s early dieselization efforts and the modern era, maintaining high reliability rates until the gradual fleet rejuvenation campaigns of the 2010s.