Indonesian President Evaluates Performance of Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh High-Speed Train Service

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) summoned PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) President Director Dwiyana Riyadi and several ministers to the Presidential Palace on Wednesday to assess the performance and passenger trends of the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed train service.

During the meeting, President Jokowi sought updates on passenger trends, infrastructure, and access to the train service. “He (the president) sought updates on the trend of passengers as well as the infrastructures and access (to the train service). Everything was evaluated,” Riyadi told the press following the meeting.

The president also inquired about potential government support to enhance the performance of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed train service, which commenced operations on October 17 last year. Additionally, Jokowi emphasized the need for a joint evaluation with China to ensure the safety and security of the service.

Deputy Minister of State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, present at the meeting, noted that while the train’s performance is satisfactory, the daily average passenger count of 24,000 is still below the target of 29,000. “The number of passengers has hit 24 thousand (per day). However, this is still below (the target). Hence, we will keep pushing,” he remarked.

Despite the shortfall, the deputy minister expressed confidence that PT KCIC would achieve the target within the next two to three years. Plans are underway to increase the daily travel frequency from 48 to 62 trips to support the train operator.

Earlier, SOEs Minister Erick Thohir highlighted that the Whoosh service had accommodated approximately four million passengers as of July. He also revealed that the high-speed train has the potential to save Indonesia Rp3.2 trillion (US$198 million) annually in fuel costs.

The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to optimizing the performance of the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed train service and addressing any challenges to meet the projected passenger targets.