Indonesia Unveils Whoosh High-Speed Railway as Part of China's Belt and Road Initiative

Indonesia has recently inaugurated its first high-speed railway, called Whoosh, connecting Jakarta to Bandung. The project, worth $7.3bn and backed by China under the Belt and Road Initiative, aims to ease the country's severe traffic congestion. The railway, operated by PT KCIC, a joint-venture between Indonesian state companies and China Railway International, can reach speeds of up to 350km/h. The project faced delays due to land disputes, the Covid-19 pandemic, and budget overruns. Despite critics' concerns about its cost and potential strain on public finances, Indonesian officials believe the high-speed railway will boost economic productivity and reduce carbon emissions. The government is also considering extending the rail line to Surabaya. This project is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative, and Indonesia has actively sought investments from China, its largest trade partner.