Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government remains committed to improving national public transportation despite the financial challenges facing the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway, known as Whoosh.Investment Minister Roesan Roeslani made the statement after attending a Cabinet meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.”The meeting with the President emphasized our railway network’s crucial role in the public transport sector, serving the interests of the broader community. Therefore, the government will always be present to support transportation programs, including the Whoosh train,” Roeslani said.The minister, who also serves as CEO of superholding Danantara, said Indonesia is holding discussions with China on the debt-ridden project and stressed the importance of coordination among ministries to ensure the talks align with Prabowo’s policy direction.His remarks came amid public scrutiny over the project’s financing, around 75 percent of which was funded through a loan from the China Development Bank at an annual interest rate of 2 percent.President Prabowo earlier stated that he would take full responsibility for resolving the project’s debt, which costs Indonesia about Rp1.2 trillion (around US$72 million) annually.He said the government had conducted a thorough review of the issue and found no reason for concern.”After studying the matter, I can confirm that Indonesia is fully capable of handling it,” Prabowo said. “Let’s just stay calm because our nation is strong and rich.”
Indonesia vows to boost transport despite Whoosh train debt
