President Jokowi Officiates Operation of Whoosh High Speed Train
President Jokowi Monday (10/02) officially inaugurates the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB) at Halim KCJB Station, East Jakarta.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (10/02) inaugurated the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Train (KCJB), at KCJB Halim Station, East Jakarta.
“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially commence the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh High Speed Train,” the President said.
The President stated that Whoosh stands for Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Hebat (Time Saver, Optimal Operation, Excellent System).
“W-H-O-O-S-H, it is pronounced as /(h)wo͞oSH/. It is inspired by the sound of this high-speed train,” the President said.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said in his report that before officially operating, a trial period for the public has been conducted for the high-speed train.
“During the three weeks after the start of the free trial period for the public, we directly observed the extraordinary enthusiasm as the public was invited to directly experience the benefits,” Luhut said.
Luhut added that after officially operating, the public can still ride the high-speed train free of charge until mid-October.
Following his remarks, President Jokowi pressed the siren button to mark the official inauguration of the KCJB. Afterward, President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana along with a limited entourage departed for Padalarang Station, West Bandung regency.
For the record, Whoosh is the first high-speed train in Indonesia and Southeast Asia that can travel up to 350 kilometers per hour. The train that connects Jakarta and Bandung runs for 142.3 kilometers and stops at four stations: Halim, Karawang, Padalarang, and Tegalluar.
Whoosh also has a spacious and modern design and is divided into three classes with a total capacity of 601 passengers. Facilities on board include power outlets, luggage racks, mini bars, bag hangers, and accessible lavatories. (DND/DK/UN) (FI/MMB)
