Reasons Why Indonesia-China Cooperate in Whoosh Fast Train
- Dok KCJB
Jakarta – The Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) or now known as Whoosh was officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Halim Station, East Jakarta on Monday.
Whoosh is the first high-speed train in Indonesia and Southeast Asia with a speed of 350 km/h.
Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) is the owner of this newly fast train. The Indonesian government chose China to work with in this Whoosh operation for several reasons, such as the following.
Ketua MPR RI Bambang Soesatyo (ketiga dari kiri) saat menghadiri peresmian Kereta Cepat Jakarta Bandung Whoosh bersama Presiden Joko Widodo di Stasiun Kereta Cepat Halim, Jakarta, Senin, 2 Oktober 2023.
- ANTARA
1. Unsecured Loan
China provides a loan worth US$5 billion or IDR 73 trillion without asking for guarantees from the Indonesian government. So, this is a good chance for Indonesia, especially for the big investment in here.
2. The "One Belt One Road" vision
This decision also supports Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of "one belt one road". This vision involves building a network of infrastructure such as ports, railways, and high-speed trains to boost trade, investment, and influence across the region.
3. China wins the race for strategic projects
Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung, Peluncuran dan Pembukaan
- AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim
The Jakarta-Bandung fast train project is a bone of contention between China, Japan. The winner of this project has a great opportunity to be involved in other rail projects in Southeast Asia, including those connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Therefore, this decision has a big strategic impact.
4. Knowledge and Technology
Indonesia looks China as a partner that offers greater knowledge in sharing high-speed rail technology. In addition, the proposal from China is considered easier than the proposal from Japan which requires a guarantee from the Indonesian government.
