AHY Says Whoosh Project Extension to East Java Awaits KCJB Financial Restructuring Resolution
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has stated that the Whoosh high-speed rail project extension to East Java is awaiting financial restructuring of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the operator of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail (KCJB) service.
According to AHY, the Whoosh project extension to East Java is pending restructuring to ensure financial viability. The minister noted that his office has met with the Ministry of Finance and Danantara to discuss the Whoosh project, which is planned to be extended to Banyuwangi.
AHY stated that the government is still seeking solutions to resolve the financial problems of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail. Once this issue is resolved, the Whoosh project extension can proceed. “We will ensure the KCJB matter is settled first, only after that will we develop the next phase,” AHY said.
According to AHY, the Whoosh extension to Banyuwangi in East Java can stimulate infrastructure development in the areas surrounding the rail corridor. The travel time from Jakarta to Surabaya using the Whoosh high-speed rail is estimated at approximately three hours.
“This will also bring new economic growth along the entire corridor,” AHY stated. He further emphasised that the existence of Whoosh extending to Banyuwangi in East Java would be able to stimulate regional development in the surrounding areas.
AHY stressed that collaboration between the central government and local governments is key to ensuring that the planned infrastructure development has a real impact on local communities. The Infrastructure Minister has assured the public that the government will fully monitor the readiness of Lebaran homecoming travel this year, with a focus on road improvements, the safety of multi-modal transportation fleets, and achieving ticket price reductions.
Additionally, Danantara is targeting the completion of debt negotiations for the KCIC Whoosh project with China by the first quarter of 2026, with the restructuring scheme reportedly still at a 50:50 basis. PT KCIC has adjusted the Whoosh high-speed train schedule for 22 days from 19 February to 12 March 2026 due to cable relocation work for the 150 kV SUTT line between Padalarang and Tegalluar.
The Whoosh high-speed rail service has increasingly established itself as a preferred transportation mode for foreign tourists, particularly from Malaysia, during the year-end holiday period. Whoosh ticket sales are predicted to continue growing and are estimated to exceed 23,000 passengers by evening, given the high mobility during the 2025 Christmas holidays.