WATCH: Indonesia’s first Chinese-built high-speed rail, Whoosh, opens after multiple delays

Indonesia: After a series of delays and cost overruns, Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, branded as “Whoosh,” began operations in Indonesia earlier this week.

Connecting Jakarta and Bandung in West Java, a Chinese consortium funded and constructed the high-speed rail as a pivotal part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Whoosh! Another feat for Chinese infrastructure

Whoosh marks a watershed moment in the infrastructural development of the region.

Indonesia’s President, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, gleamed with pride as he officiated the opening ceremony.

Whoosh represents a landmark accomplishment for his government. The project weaves through Java Island, connecting Halim Station in East Jakarta and Tegalluar Station in Bandung Regency.

Whoosh traverses over 160 kilometres in approximately 45 minutes, including a stop at Padalarang Station. However, the ambitious venture was not without its tribulations.

Commenced under PT KCIC, a joint venture between Chinese and Indonesian consortia, the railway project was conceived in 2015.

The aim was to fortify infrastructural ties between the two nations. With a population surpassing 275 million, Indonesia is a pivotal player in Beijing’s global infrastructural endeavours.

Despite the impressively smooth and swift rides – reaches speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour without significant shakes or noise.

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Delays and politics

However, the project was plagued by controversy. These included criticism from domestic political figures, saying careless negotiations enabled China to exert financial pressure on the Indonesian government.

Further, the project soared over its budget to a hefty $7.2 billion and was delayed beyond its initial launch date in 2019.

Whoosh also faced scrutiny from the media, citing unmeticulous contract negotiation and excessive ambition as significant setbacks.

Moreover, social and environmental impacts, coupled with damages to residences in West Java, further tarnished the railway’s journey from conception to realisation.

Residents like Puspa Ratih and Irma Indrisari, who experienced the trial runs, shared mixed reviews. Ratih preferred the comfort and swiftness of the high-speed rail over conventional road travel to Bandung.

Indrisari found the station’s location far and costly despite an initial favourable impression.

China’s commitment to the high-speed rail’s realisation stands as a testament to its diligent diplomatic and infrastructural outreach.

*CGTN is a BGTN content partner