The new Jakarta-Bandung train would use high-speed train technology from China, which has surpassed even Japan’s in recent years
The long discussed Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, which could theoretically transport people travel between the Big Durian and Paris Van Java in a little over half-an-hour, just took a big step closer to becoming a reality.
Last Monday, Sheng Guangzu, general manager of China Railway Corporation, and Rini Soemarno, Indonesia’s minister for state-owned enterprises signed a memorandum of agreement on the 160-kilometer railway project, further cementing a deal that was tentatively formalized with an agreement between President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
There are still a lot of technical discussions that need to take place between the two countries before construction plans can be finalized, but the agreement should help solidify funding for the project, which would require an estimated $6 billion budget.
Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil has been a big proponent of the project, saying back in March that a high speed train would be essential to his city’s economic future.
“The [economic development] between Bandung and Jakarta is limited, it cannot increase unless there is an increase in accessibility and time. But in the future people won’t have to drive back and forth to Bandung, they can just catch the train. Compared to four hours what is 30 minutes?” Ridwan told Kompas.
Done reading? Kick back and watch Coconuts TV!
