Arrr! The Indonesian captain be launchin' Southeast Asia's first swift railway, swashbucklin' gold provided by China!
2023-10-02
Arrr! A project finagled by the Chinese be settin' sail to birth Southeast Asia's foremost swift railway, linkin' Jakarta to Bandung, me hearties!
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has officially inaugurated Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway, which is set to begin commercial operations. The railway connects Jakarta with Bandung, reducing travel time between the two cities from three hours to just 40 minutes. The $7.3 billion project, largely funded by China, has faced delays and increasing costs, but Widodo has championed its construction. The railway is expected to reduce carbon emissions due to its use of electrical energy. Widodo officially named the railway "Whoosh," signifying "timesaving, optimal operation, reliable system" in Indonesian. The President took a test ride on the train and stated that he felt comfortable even at its top speeds of 350 kph (217 mph). China Railway has also agreed to transfer its technology to Indonesia to enable the country to produce its own high-speed trains in the future. Ticket prices for the railway have not yet been finalized, but estimated prices range from 250,000 rupiah ($16) for second class to 350,000 rupiah ($22.60) for VIP seats. The rail deal with China was signed in 2015 and was financed mostly by a loan from the China Development Bank. The project is part of a larger plan for a 750-kilometer (466-mile) high-speed train line in Indonesia. China's investment in infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, such as the high-speed railway, is part of its Belt and Road initiative and reflects its expanding trade relationships with ASEAN countries.