VINANSIA.COM - In September 2015, Indonesia announced its partnership with China to build a high-speed railway connecting Jakarta and Bandung, selecting China over Japan's bid.
PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) was subsequently formed in October 2015, with the project designated as a National Strategic Project in 2016.
Ministerial Controversy: Ignasius Jonan's Opposition
Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan emerged as a prominent critic of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project. He opposed the initiative due to concerns over its financial burden on the state budget, the suitability of high-speed technology for the relatively short distance, and safety risks associated with the project.
Rini Soemarno's Advocacy
Rini Soemarno, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) during the project's early stages, championed its potential benefits. She emphasized the high-speed train as a transformative infrastructure project that would enhance efficiency and regional connectivity.
Challenges and Setbacks
By 2017, construction commenced amid challenges such as land acquisition issues and regulatory hurdles. Progress faced significant delays and cost escalations by 2018, raising concerns over the project's feasibility and financial sustainability.
Resilience and Adaptation
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted construction, leading to additional delays. Despite setbacks, adjustments in project management and financing were made to ensure continuity. By 2022, test runs and final preparations signaled nearing completion.
Operational Debut
In October 2023, after overcoming numerous challenges, the high-speed train, dubbed "Whoosh," officially commenced operations.
This marked a significant milestone in Indonesian transportation history, promising reduced travel times and enhanced connectivity between Jakarta and Bandung.