Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Test Ride of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB), Padalarang Station, West Bandung Regency, West Java Province, September 13, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have visited the high-speed train project four times, but it was the first time I took a test ride. It was 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. Speed.

So, we hope that the people can use this high-speed train in early October and we hope that there will be a shift from private cars usage to high-speed train, LRT, MRT, Transjakarta in order to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. I think that is what we aim for, because every year, we suffer a loss of more than Rp100 trillion due to traffic congestion in the greater Jakarta and Bandung areas.

Journalist

So, the target for inauguration is still in October, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, early October, but the target is set by the High-Speed Train Management, do not think that I push it forward.

Journalist

What about the tariffs and safety, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The High-Speed Train Management will set it, of course in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation.

Journalist

After the test ride, do you think that it needs any improvement?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I think it was just good.

Journalist

Will PSO be applied, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No subsidy.

Journalist

When will the operational permit for KCJB be issued, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Minister for Transportation has already given the answer, one week.

Journalist

Sir, will it be expensive without subsidy, or what?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We will see, everything has to be calculated. It is supposed to be so. However, most importantly, we encourage people to switch from private cars to mass transportation, be it high-speed train, MRT, LRT, or bus.

Journalist

Any evaluation of facilities and infrastructures at the station?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No, no, no.

Journalist

Because it is not 100 percent done yet, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Indeed, not completely done yet, I was told that it is 92 percent done. Not completely done. However, the train is ready, so we can use it.

Journalist

So, the inauguration will be held on October 1 as planned?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The High-Speed Train Management will set it.

Journalist

At least, any suggestion from Pak President on when will it be?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

October, I have mentioned it.

Journalist

About the end of the year, the migration from Parahyangan Bandung train to high-speed train, how many percent is your target?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The people have not seen it yet. At first, they should know how it feels, they have to try it first, and then give their comments. They cannot give comments if they have not tried it yet. Try it, what it is like to take train at 350 km/hour-speed. From Halim to Padalarang only 25 minutes, if it goes up to Tegalluar, how many minutes will it take? Just count.

Journalist

Pak, so people can enjoy a free trial?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Indeed, indeed. Let them try, let the people try.

Journalist

Since it is so advanced, how is the safety, Pak, for the 30 minutes journey?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It has been made in China not only 1 km, 2 km, but it has been made up to 48 thousand km. It is their expertise.

Journalist

Allow me to ask a different subject, related to the budget allocated for General Election Commission for a one-round presidential election. What is the Government’s commitment to ensure the general elections run well?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, if it is for one round, then it is for one round; if it is for two rounds, then it is for two rounds.

Journalist

But the budget is only for one round, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, just ask Minister for Finance, they should have prepared a reserved budget.

Journalist

Sir, the test ride was at a maximum speed of 321 km/hour. So, based on the performance and comfort, will the high-speed train be connected to Surabaya city?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It can actually reach 385 km/hour, but for the sake of comfort, the speed was set to 350km/hour. On the connection to Surabaya, it still undergoes a feasibility study, calculation, consideration on where the track will be located. It still undergoes a feasibility study. To determine and decide it, we need to go through a detailed calculation. If it is not done yet, then I cannot answer the question.

(AW/MMB)