Indonesia Launches First Bullet Train in Southeast Asia

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) was officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) today.

IDXChannel - The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) was officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) today. In his remarks, Jokowi called KCJB as the first high-speed train in Southeast Asia.

"The Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Train is the first bullet train in Indonesia and also the first in Southeast Asia," said Jokowi at Halim Station, East Jakarta, Monday (2/10/2023).

Jokowi explained that this train could reach 350 kilometers per hour.

"With a speed of 350 kilometers per hour. We name it Whoosh. This is inspired by the sound of a high-speed train," he said.

According to Jokowi, the high-speed rail marks the modernisation of the country's mass transportation. It is environmentally friendly and integrated with other modes of transportation as well as transit oriented development (TOD) projects.

"By saying bismillahirahmanirahim, I inaugurate the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed train," said Jokowi during the inauguration ceremony.

After delivering his welcoming remarks, Jokowi rang the bell and signed the inscription. Accompanied by his spouse and ministers, Jokowi then took a ride on the high-speed train to Padalarang Station in West Java.

At the event, Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of State-owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuldjono and also Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono. (WHY)