Luhut Meets Chinese Officials to Discuss Whoosh Debt, Outlines High-Speed Rail Project Sustainability

The debt repayment mechanism for the Whoosh high-speed rail project was one of the key topics discussed by the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, during his meeting with the Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Zheng Shanjie.

The meeting took place during Luhut’s working visit to China from 15–18 September 2026.

Luhut acknowledged that the issues surrounding the Whoosh project were among the materials presented to Zheng, whom he described as an old friend.

“In Beijing, I also met NDRC Chairman Zheng Shanjie to discuss the MoU we signed last year, so that it can be translated into a roadmap and concrete projects, including Whoosh, the North Kalimantan Green Industrial Zone, the Bali International Financial Centre, as well as research and technological development cooperation,” Luhut stated via his Instagram account.

During his visit to China, Luhut attended several agendas, including the China Economic and Social Forum 2026 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. He also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Secretary-General of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Dongfeng, and NDRC Chairman Zheng Shanjie. Additionally, Luhut delivered a public lecture at Tsinghua University.

According to Antara, the former Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment stated that the Indonesian government needs to follow up on the technical discussions regarding the Whoosh debt repayment mechanism to ensure the issue does not drag on.

“We must not let this pass; we would be the ones losing out. There must be technical follow-ups, and we must discuss the debt structure. Since we (at the Coordinating Ministry) were the ones handling it previously, I am aware of the details. Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr Airlangga, must be informed; President Prabowo has also been confirmed, as have the Minister of Finance and Finance Deputy Minister Suahasil,” said Luhut.

He expressed optimism that coordination between the involved parties regarding the settlement of Whoosh’s obligations can proceed in an integrated manner, having received the green light from President Prabowo Subianto. Luhut also noted that the Chinese government does not raise issues regarding the debt repayment mechanism currently being discussed by the Indonesian government.