Machinist is a person who is responsible for running the locomotive. The word Machinist comes from Dutch language, which actually means the interpreter engine. Machinist called because at first interpreter engine that runs the train. Machinist is responsible for accelerating, slowing or stopping the train, follow / obey the signal, the slogan, and ensure the safety of train being operated.
Before the diesel locomotives used as today, the steam locomotive to be the main puller train set in Indonesia. Locomotive depots are scattered throughout Java and Sumatra entirely using steam locomotives.

In 1952, all locomotives used Indonesian Railway Company/Djawatan Kereta Api (DKA) is a steam locomotive. The inclusion of diesel-powered locomotives in 1953, accompanied by the growth of adequate human resources to handle the technology of the steam locomotive to diesel locomotive.
Technology transfer from steam locomotives to diesel locomotives in order to succeed, must be accompanied by education and a systematic training program, intensive and of course professional. Therefore established a Machinist education center in the city of Yogyakarta in 1964 after coordinating with the DKA. For the progress of the railways, then in 1980, Machinist education center is named Traction Technical Training Center (Balai Pelatihan Teknik Traksi/BPTT) until today.

Entering the year 1970, The steam locomotive has become an antique as no longer being produced by a manufacturer in Europe or in America.. This also affected the Machinist education curriculum that also began to no longer teach the technical operation and maintenance of steam locomotives. Currently, the number of senior Machinist who knows the operation and maintenance of steam locomotives on the wane since a lot of them who had died / dies or full duty / retired.

Currently, education and maintenance of steam locomotives was centered at the Railway Museum in Ambarawa who also operate trains as well as tourism. The aim of the course was held steam locomotive is to make the science of the care and operation of steam locomotives preserved. This course is open to the public. Course participants will be divided into 2 (two) groups : professional Machinist and Lover of steam locomotive. Course participants will be charged. Time course at the latest 6 months and get a certificate.
With this course are expected to:
1.   Produces a new steam locomotive Machinist generation
2.   Providing service to the steam locomotive fans to run a steam locomotive (non-regular train)
3.   One form of the conservation of intangible, of the steam locomotive machinist skills.{jcomments off}