In 1916, the Staatsspoorwegen on Java ordered 14 class C27 4-6-4T tank locomotives for suburban and passenger working from the Swiss SLM. Due to problems in obtaining the materials and getting all permits for export which arose due to the war, they were only delivered in 1918. More were built by Werkspoor and Armstrong Whitworth which brought the total to 39.
Thanks to a short rigid wheelbase and bogies which could move sideways by 70 and 80 mm, they could easily operate on curves with a radius of 120 m. To lower the center of gravity, the main water tank was located between the frames and the side tanks had a small height. In 1970, around 30 were still operating. 