It would be better to tackle the financial problem first and identify the best solution before moving forward with further development,Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government has decided on a plan to settle the debt owed to China for the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway service, popularly known as Whoosh, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed.He confirmed that discussions on financially restructuring the Whoosh operator, PT KCIC, to resolve the debt have concluded, but noted that the definitive policy would be announced by President Prabowo Subianto or other relevant officials.“The meetings have concluded, but the official announcement will be made by the president or other government officials, not me. Regardless, we already have a plan for the way forward,” Purbaya said at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Friday.Purbaya’s remarks followed statements from Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who stressed that settling the Chinese debt is a prerequisite for further development of the fast train network.Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (March 11), AHY said the government would advance plans to extend the high-speed railway to Banyuwangi only after a definitive solution to the debt is identified.“It would be better to tackle the financial problem first and identify the best solution before moving forward with further development,” he said, adding that debt resolution is essential to crafting and implementing a road map for the railway extension.AHY also noted that meetings on the issue had involved the Ministry of Finance and the sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia.Despite the potential setback, AHY emphasized that the government remains committed to maximizing the use of Whoosh, Southeast Asia’s first high-speed train, for public benefit.He expressed confidence that implementing the plan would not only significantly cut travel time between Jakarta and East Java but also stimulate economic growth and development in regions along the railway corridor.