Coordinating Minister AHY Reveals Future of Whoosh Rail Project Extension to East Java

Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has disclosed the future trajectory of the Whoosh high-speed rail project expansion to East Java. He emphasised that certainty regarding the extension is being pursued in parallel whilst awaiting financial restructuring of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China, the operator of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.

He explained that his ministry has held meetings with the Finance Ministry and Danantara Indonesia concerning plans for Whoosh to operate as far as Banyuwangi in East Java. The government will also ensure that financial restructuring of the Jakarta-Bandung line continues.

“We are conducting these stages in parallel,” said AHY during a press conference on the Best Performance Rapid Results Programme and Mudik Lebaran preparations at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

According to him, financial restructuring of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is crucial because it will affect the roadmap for Whoosh’s development to East Java. Once a solution to the financial problems of the Jakarta-Bandung line is secured, the future Whoosh project can proceed.

“We should first ensure that the Jakarta-Bandung line is resolved, meaning that a proper solution has been found, only after that can we develop the next phase,” he explained.

AHY stressed that the government remains committed to managing and developing Whoosh so that its benefits can be felt by a wider population.

He stated that the presence of Whoosh in the far reaches of East Java could transform the development landscape of the regions it passes through. “If Jakarta-Surabaya can be covered in approximately three hours by train, I believe this will transform the development landscape, whilst also bringing new economic growth along the entire route,” he added.