Purbaya: Discussion on Whoosh debt restructuring is complete
Jakarta — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that discussions regarding the debt restructuring of the Indonesia-China High-Speed Train (KCIC) project, known as Whoosh, have been completed.
The Indonesian government, he said, has made a decision on the next steps for resolving the debt. However, he stated that the decision will be announced by President Prabowo Subianto or other relevant officials.
“The meeting has been concluded, but it will be up to the President or the official government to make the announcement, not me. But it is already clear what the next steps will be,” said Purbaya when confirming to journalists at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta on Friday.
The statement was in response to Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).
AHY, at a press conference on the update regarding the Best Quick Implementation Programme (PHTC) and preparations for Lebaran exodus at the Presidential Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March), stated that the continuation of the Whoosh high-speed railway project to East Java would be pursued in parallel whilst awaiting the financial restructuring of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the operator of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (KCJB).
He said he had held meetings with the Finance Ministry and Danantara Indonesia regarding plans for Whoosh to operate as far as Banyuwangi, East Java.
AHY explained that whilst developing the continuation of the Whoosh project, the government would also ensure that the financial restructuring of KCJB proceeds.
According to him, the financial restructuring of KCJB is critically important as it will affect the roadmap for the development of Whoosh to East Java.
Furthermore, AHY stated that if a solution to KCJB’s financial problems is found, the future Whoosh project can proceed.
“It would be best if we first ensure the KCJB is resolved, meaning a good solution can be obtained, only after that can we develop what comes next,” he explained.
AHY emphasised that the government remains committed to managing and developing Whoosh so that its benefits can be felt by a broader population.
He stated that the presence of Whoosh extending to the outermost regions of East Java could transform the development map of the areas it passes through.