Indonesia recently achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of its high-speed train, appropriately named "Whoosh." President Joko Widodo officiated over this historic event on a recent Monday (2/10), marking a substantial advancement in the country's transportation infrastructure. The introduction of Whoosh is a testament to the developments in public transportation within Indonesia, marking a turning point in the country's infrastructure improvement. President Joko Widodo proudly stated that the Whoosh train symbolizes progress in Indonesia and is the fastest train in Southeast Asia, showcasing the nation's commitment to cutting-edge transportation. This claim underscores the country's commitment to enhancing connectivity and mobility for its citizens while setting new standards in the region. The introduction of Whoosh signifies a pivotal moment for Indonesia, reflecting the nation's aspiration to lead in technological innovation and progress, extending beyond the mere debut of a high-speed train. It signifies a nation continuously evolving and adapting to meet the needs of its people and the demands of the modern world. As Indonesia continues to grow and develop, the introduction of Whoosh serves as a reminder of how far the country has come and its potential for future growth. This high-speed train is not just a mode of transportation, it is a symbol of national pride and a beacon of progress for Southeast Asia.
The "Whoosh" high-speed train is an astonishing feat of modern technology, capable of hurtling through the landscape at an astonishing speed of up to 350 kilometers per hour (220 miles per hour). This extraordinary train is the result of a remarkable partnership between China and Indonesia, with a staggering price tag of US$7 billion. PT KCIC, a collaborative effort involving four Indonesian state-run enterprises and China Railway International Co., is the driving force behind the construction of the "Whoosh" high-speed train, signifying a potent amalgamation of expertise from both nations in the realm of rail infrastructure. A pivotal moment occurred when Chinese Premier Li Qiang personally experienced the train's capabilities during his visit to Jakarta, emphasizing the project's significance in fortifying bilateral ties between China and Indonesia. This event serves as a compelling testament to the power of international collaboration, propelling these two nations toward a future marked by technological innovation and enhanced connectivity. Additionally, there is an air of anticipation surrounding a forthcoming ride that could feature Indonesia's President Jokowi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, although the precise details remain undisclosed. This prospective journey holds the promise of further deepening the friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and China while spotlighting the immense potential and cutting-edge technology embodied by the "Whoosh" high-speed rail project.
The initial estimation for the project was valued at US$6.07 billion. However, budget overruns for the Whoosh project surged by US$1.2 billion due to issues related to infrastructure development, land acquisition, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indonesia sought a loan from the China Development Bank to address this financial shortfall. It was granted an interest rate "over 2%,” as disclosed by the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in June. South China Morning Post stated that the decision gained mixed opinions from Chinese Officials but was neutralized by Jokowi's diplomacy in choosing China over Japan for the project. In the end, Jokowi was also satisfied with the end results of the cooperation on the speed train. Moreover, this innovation is seen as a successful technology, skill, and knowledge transfer from one of the biggest tech-developing countries to Indonesia. The speed train also acts as an advancement in Indonesia's transportation system, empowering the use of public transportation not only centralized but for the whole country. Furthermore, this development is noteworthy as the general perception of Chinese investors regarding investments in Indonesia has historically been overshadowed by past events. The increasing trust indicates an upsurging future collaboration between China and Indonesia, securing a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
Sources:
BBC
CNBC
CNN
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