AHY: Whoosh expansion to East Java awaits KCJB restructuring solution

Jakarta — Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that the continuation of the Whoosh high-speed rail project to East Java will proceed in parallel whilst awaiting financial restructuring of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China, the operator of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (KCJB).

He said he has held meetings with the Ministry of Finance and Danantara Indonesia regarding plans for Whoosh to operate as far as Banyuwangi, East Java.

“At this stage we are proceeding in parallel,” AHY said during a press conference on the Update of Implementation of the Fast Track Program Results (PHTC) and Eid Holiday Travel Preparations at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.

AHY explained that whilst developing the Whoosh continuation project, the government will also ensure that KCJB’s financial restructuring continues to progress. He stated that KCJB’s financial restructuring is critically important as it will influence the roadmap for Whoosh’s development to East Java.

Furthermore, AHY said that once a solution to KCJB’s financial problems has been found, the future Whoosh project can be continued.

“We should first ensure that KCJB’s issues are resolved, meaning that a good solution can be implemented, only after that can we develop the next phase,” he explained.

AHY emphasised that the government remains committed to managing and developing Whoosh so that its benefits can be felt by a wider community. He stated that the presence of Whoosh extending to the far reaches of East Java could transform the development map in the regions it passes through.

“If the Jakarta-Surabaya route can be covered in approximately three hours by rail, I believe this will transform the development map whilst also generating new economic growth throughout the corridor,” he added.