Indonesian president unveils China-funded high-speed rail

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway, a significant project under China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, had been inaugurated and was about to commence commercial operations. This railway, spanning 142 kilometres (88 miles), connects Jakarta to Bandung, the densely populated capital of West Java province.

Despite facing delays and escalating costs, the project, which dramatically reduces travel time between the two cities, has received its official operating license from the Transportation Ministry. Widodo, who has been a staunch supporter of the project, celebrated the inauguration.

The $7.3 billion endeavour, primarily funded by China, was executed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, also known as PT KCIC. PT KCIC is a joint venture involving an Indonesian consortium comprising four state-owned companies and China Railway International. While skeptics have raised concerns about the railway's commercial viability, the president has remained steadfast in his endorsement.

The high-speed railway, which utilizes electrical energy, is anticipated to significantly decrease carbon emissions. Its completion marks a crucial milestone in enhancing transportation between Jakarta and Bandung, reducing the travel time from the current three hours to approximately 40 minutes.