Indonesia’s First High-Speed Train Hits 350 km/hour During Test Run

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung accompanies President Jokowi on a journey to Bandung Station, Bandung city, West Java province, using a feeder train. (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo took a test ride on Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB), Wednesday (09/13). According to President Jokowi, the trip felt comfortable, even when it reached a maximum speed of 350 km/hour.

“It is comfortable, and at the speed of 350 (km/hour) it felt smooth, even when I was sitting or walking. So, this is a civilization, speed,” the President said in his press statement after the test ride at KCJB Padalarang Station, West Bandung regency, West Java province.

President Jokowi also expressed hope that the high-speed train can raise people’s interest in using public transportation rather than private cars. It is important to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in Jakarta, Bandung, and the surrounding areas.

“Every year, we suffer a loss of more than Rp100 trillion due to traffic congestion in the greater Jakarta and Bandung [areas],” the President mentioned.

President Jokowi expected the first high-speed train in Indonesia to be inaugurated immediately and enjoyed by the public. However, he entrusted the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Management to set the target and the tariffs.

“The High-Speed Train Management will set it in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation,” President Jokowi said, adding that the tariffs set for the public will be calculated thoroughly. Therefore, although the Government does not provide subsidies, the KCJB tariffs will be affordable.

“Most importantly, we encourage people to switch from private cars to mass transportation, be it high-speed train, MRT, LRT, or bus,” the President remarked. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/AIT)(AW/MMB)