Purbaya: Solution for Whoosh Debt Payment to be Announced Soon by Prabowo

Jakarta — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has disclosed that the government has reached a decision regarding the payment scheme for the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) or Whoosh debt.

However, he emphasised that the decision on the debt payment scheme will be announced directly by President Prabowo Subianto. Purbaya did not disclose when the final decision would be announced by the president.

“The meeting has concluded, but the President or the government will make the official announcement, not me. However, the next steps are already clear, but it is not yet the right time to disclose this to you. It would be better for the higher authority to present it — President Prabowo should,” Purbaya said firmly at his office in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Previously, Infrastructure and Regional Development Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono also confirmed that the government is focused on resolving the high-speed train debt issue first, before proceeding with rail extensions to Surabaya.

Yudhoyono explained that this process is being conducted in parallel with the initial financial restructuring steps for KCIC (the operating company). This has also been discussed with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, CEO Danantara Rosan Roeslani, and relevant stakeholders.

“Because before we develop a more serious roadmap for extending or developing the Jakarta-Surabaya line, or even potentially extending to Banyuwangi as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, we should first ensure that the Jakarta-Bandung line is completed, meaning the solution can be properly implemented, and then we can develop the next phase,” said Yudhoyono earlier this week.