August 11, 2023
3 mins read

Indonesia delays launch of China-backed high-speed railway

The 142-kilometer rail line is set to link the capital Jakarta to the city of Bandung in West Java, greatly easing congestion along one of the most densely-populated travel corridors in the world….reports Asian Lite News

Indonesia has delayed the launch of its China-backed high-speed railways by several weeks so that some final safety tests can be conducted, The Diplomat reported.

The launch of Indonesia’s China-backed high-speed railway has been delayed by several weeks so that the consortium that is building the project can run some final safety tests, it announced yesterday.

Citing a report by BenarNews, it stated that the limited trial launch of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train service was set for August 18. But this has now been pushed back until early September because more time was needed for the safe operation of the trains, which are capable of running at up to 385 kilometres per hour.

“As the first high-speed rail link in ASEAN, operating the train requires very careful preparation. All aspects will be prepared properly to prioritize customer safety,” The Diplomat quoted Eva Chairunisa — the spokesperson for the Indonesian-Chinese consortium PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) — citing the Jakarta Post.

“Every aspect will be well-prepared, with a primary focus on safety and comfort for the high-speed train passengers,” the KCIC statement added, which is made up of four state-owned Indonesian companies and the China Railway International Co. Ltd.

“The trial of facilities and infrastructure has been carried out successfully. Currently, KCIC is also ensuring that all supporting operational elements will function properly when the train is operational.”

In separate comments to BenarNews, Chairunisa said that there will be no delay in the full operational launch, which is scheduled for October 1, as per The Diplomat.

The 142-kilometer rail line is set to link the capital Jakarta to the city of Bandung in West Java, greatly easing congestion along one of the most densely-populated travel corridors in the world.

The line also has the distinction of being the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia; the China-backed railway in Laos, which began operations in late 2021, is often referred to as high-speed, but has a maximum top speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

This minor delay comes after a series of delays and cost overruns that have slowed the project since its inception in 2015. At the time, the project was initially slated to be completed by 2019, at a cost 5.5 billion USD. That has since increased considerably due to mostly predictable factors involving complications in land acquisition, The Diplomat reported.

In 2021, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced that his government would use the state budget to cover the excess costs of the project, overriding a 2015 decree that barred the use of state funds in the construction of the railway.

In February, the Indonesian and Chinese governments in Beijing agreed on a cost overrun of 18 trillion rupiah (around 1.2 billion USD), down from the more than 2 billion USD previously expected.

Despite the generally negative tone of the media coverage of the project – and there are many legitimate questions about the project’s design and implementation – the completion of the Jakarta-Bandung railway will mark both a milestone for China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia and for Jokowi’s two terms in office, during which time he has prioritized the improvement of Indonesia’s infrastructure, according to The Diplomat. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Earth quake jolts Indonesia

Previous Story

Taliban denied Afghan women right to education, says HRW

Next Story

Ukraine announces ‘humanitarian corridor’ for ships stuck in Black Sea

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Long weekend retreats in India

There is perpetual contention between North and South Goa. South

Only 9% candidates are women in Northeast states

Only six women (9.83 per cent) out of 61 candidates