ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government’s full commitment and responsibility for the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail (Whoosh) project following his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Summit.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed strategic cooperation in infrastructure development, with a focus on strengthening the Indonesia–China partnership that underpins Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail project.
Upon returning to Jakarta, President Prabowo addressed public debate surrounding the project’s debt structure, assuring that the Whoosh project is financially sound and under full state responsibility.
“No need to worry about the Whoosh issue. I’ve studied it thoroughly. There’s no problem. I take full responsibility. Indonesia is not an ordinary country,” Prabowo said during a press conference at the newly inaugurated Tanah Abang Station on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The President stressed that public transportation projects like Whoosh should not be assessed solely based on profit and loss but rather on their social and economic benefits to the people.
“Everywhere in the world, public transport is not about profit. It’s a public service obligation. The government exists to serve its people,” he emphasized.
Prabowo noted that the Indonesian government currently provides up to 60% subsidies for public transport services, with passengers covering only about 20% of operational costs.
He said this reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring affordable and inclusive mobility for all citizens.
Accompanying the President at the press conference were Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin, and Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.
Prabowo also underscored the importance of transparent and corruption-free fiscal management, asserting that public funds must be used solely for the people’s welfare.
“Public money must not be stolen. We must stop all leakages and corruption so that state funds go back to serving the people,” he said.
The President further urged that the Whoosh debt issue not be politicized, emphasizing Indonesia’s financial strength and capability to complete major national projects.
“Don’t politicize this. Our nation is strong and rich. The government is fully accountable to the people,” Prabowo affirmed.
The Whoosh high-speed rail project, a flagship collaboration between Indonesia and China, will continue to expand as part of the long-term plan to enhance interregional connectivity.
The government also plans to extend the high-speed network to Banyuwangi, aligning with Prabowo’s vision of modern, sustainable, and people-oriented public transportation. (AT Network)
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