Indonesia Unveils Southeast Asia’s First High-Speed Railway

• 13 October 2023
• Construction Focus
• 3233 Views

In a historic milestone, Indonesia inaugurated Southeast Asia’s maiden high-speed railway on 2 October. This remarkable project, with a price tag of US$7.3 billion, stands as a testament to China’s expansive Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Predominantly financed by Chinese state-owned corporations, the grand unveiling of this high-speed rail line signifies a significant leap forward in regional transportation, according to a CNN​ report on Monday 9 October.

Officially named WHOOSH, the acronym embodies the railway’s core principles: “time-saving, optimal operation, reliable system” in Indonesian. It represents a colossal leap in the region’s connectivity, promising efficiency and speed.

The high-speed rail connection seamlessly links the Halim railway station in East Jakarta to the Padalarang railway station in West Bandung, a cultural epicentre and the second-largest city in Indonesia. With the potential to traverse distances at a lightning-fast speed of 350 kilometres per hour, this achievement represents a transformative leap in the nation’s infrastructure.

President Joko Widodo, present at the inauguration, praised the colossal achievement as a testament to the nation’s resilience and forward momentum. However, it’s worth noting that the project encountered several obstacles, leading to a delay in its original 2019 launch date. Land disputes, the disruptive global pandemic, and a budgetary overrun of US$1.2 billion all played roles in postponing this monumental project.

This high-speed railway endeavour, proudly supported by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, operates under the stewardship of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (PT KCIC). It stands as a collaborative effort between four Indonesian state companies and China Railway International, embodying international cooperation in the realm of advanced transportation infrastructure.

• Road and Infrastructure