The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is an under-construction railway in Java, Indonesia. The current railway between Jakarta and Bandung takes from 2h 50m to 3h 29m to cover the 168.5 km trip. The new railway covers 142.3 km and is expected to reduce travel time to 40 minutes.
The train will be able to travel at up to 350 kilometres per hour, making it the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia. The current fastest railway in Southeast Asia is Laos-China Railway, with a top speed of 160 km/h.
Japan had initially proposed a high-speed railway, with JICA having completed a study in 2012. After subsequent years of plans and studies, the government announced that it would go ahead with construction in 2015, with Japan and China competing for the contract. In September 2015 it was announced that the project was cancelled, and then the government announced in October 2015 that China had won the bidding.
Construction And Completion Date
The project officially began with a ceremony on 21 January 2016, only for work to stop shortly thereafter. The project began again later in the year, but it has been plagued with delays ever since. Slow land clearance and the pandemic have played a part in the delays.
In August 2016 it was announced that it would be finished by 2019. By February 2018 the completion date was moved to 2020, and by August 2018 the completion date was moved another year to 2021. In February 2020 – the calm before the pandemic storm – the estimated completion date was still set for 2021. The most recent estimate was announced in September 2020, with the completion date being moved to 2023.
Stations
There are four stations planned for the 142.3 km route:
Halim (Jakarta)
[Image via stadin.id.]
Halim Station is to the north of Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, and it will be connected to the future Greater Jakarta LRT.
Karawang
[Image via stadin.id.]
Walini
[Image via stadin.id.]
Tegal Luar (Bandung)
[Image via stadin.id.]
This is a new station outside of the city centre, and it is expected to be connected to the proposed Bandung LRT.
Map of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway
[Map of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.]
Future Extensions
There are plans to extend the high-speed railway to Surabaya in East Java. This would go via the south to Yogyakarta.
Japan was offered the right to work on the extension, but they declined. Instead, Japan will work on the semi-high-speed railway from Jakarta to Surabaya. This route traverses the northern side of the island via Semarang, and not via Bandung. There was mention of including Kertajati International Airport being included on the high-speed extension, but it would make more sense for it to be included on the semi-high-speed railway.
This page covers news of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and future extensions to Surabaya. News and facts about the alternative Jakarta-Surabaya semi-high-speed railway will be on another page.
Links And Resources
PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) – “A joint venture between a consortium of Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) through PT Pilar Sinergi BUMN (PSBI) and a consortium of Chinese railroad companies through Beijing Yawan HSR Co.Ltd, with Indonesia business to business (B2B) scheme in public transportation sector.”
China Railway Group Limited – Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, Indonesia.
INDONESIA | High Speed Rail – News and discussion at skyscrapercity.
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News Archive
2023
Indonesia hands early years of high-speed rail operation to China Railway – [14/09/23]
“The government previously announced plans to open the railway to the public on Oct. 1, but the project has yet to acquire the operating permits required for commercial use.”
Indonesia’s first bullet train hits 350 kph as Jokowi takes test ride – [13/09/23]
Southeast Asia’s first high-speed train – a boon or bust for Indonesia’s economy? – [30/08/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train to last 100 years, KCIC says – [30/08/23]
Indonesia’s Chinese-built bullet train delayed amid cost overruns – [30/08/23]
“Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail service has been beset by cost overruns and delays since launch of the project in 2015.”
Jokowi to board the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train in a trial in September – [29/08/23]
Mistargeted subsidy – [23/08/23]
“The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) is not the type of project that deserves a subsidy regardless of the government’s concern that it may be difficult to attract enough ridership to keep the business alive and sustainable.”
Indonesia set to open Southeast Asia’s 1st high-speed rail in October – [16/08/23]
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Ticket Subsidy Not Suitable Measure to Support the Project: MTI – [15/08/23]
Transportation expert criticizes Jokowi over train ticket subsidy – [14/08/23]
With Indonesia’s high-speed rail set to launch in September, authorities look to Surabaya for phase two – 14/08/23]
Minister: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train starts operation in October – [13/08/23]
High-speed rail project delayed once again – [09/08/23]
“Operators of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway have announced yet another delay of the flagship project’s soft launch to early September, citing the need to ensure preparedness and safety.”
Indonesia soon to get its long-delayed high-speed train – [28/07/23]
“Troubles fade in euphoria over launch.”
Jakarta-Bandung HSR enters intensive testing phase, launch imminent – [27/07/23]
“Official launch date ‘special moment’ for Chinese engineers, Indonesian commuters.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train gears up for operation, conduct series of tests – [26/07/23]
Concerns over construction delays, accessibility issues ahead of soft launch of Indonesia’s high-speed rail – [09/07/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train begins operational testing for railcars ahead its launch – [04/07/23]
Jakarta and Bandung become “closer” with high-speed railway – [27/06/23]
Is Indonesia’s new high-speed rail line worth it? – [27/06/23]
“Whether or not the rail line turns a profit, Jakarta is hoping that the project brings a wider range of subsidiary benefits.”
Jakarta-Bandung fast train tickets for free for 90 days – [26/06/23]
Jakarta-Bandung Hhgh-speed railway 92 percent complete – [23/06/23]
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Hits 350 km/h in Today’s Trial; Breaking MURI Record – [22/06/23]
“Indonesia’s first bullet train, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train (KCJB), conducted a trial test today in which reaching a speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the peak speed of its operation on a 142.3-kilometer track.
This figure breaks the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) record as it far exceeds the speed of regular trains of up to 120 kilometers per hour.”
Indonesia tests first high-speed rail to boost Jokowi legacy – [22/06/23]
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway reaches 350 km per hour during joint commissioning, testing – [22/06/23]
Jakarta-Bandung fast train to be launched in August as scheduled: Gov’t – [21/06/23]
“The inauguration ceremony will take place a day after the Independence Day commemoration according to the planned time.”
Analysis: Rushed tests risk another delay for the Jakarta-Bandung HSR – [21/06/23]
Is Indonesia’s China-made railway on track to launch? Jakarta says it’s ‘under control’ – [21/06/23]
Indonesia’s 1st high-speed train does 300 kph in latest test – [17/06/23]
Not in the driving seat – [15/06/23]
“It has been decided that Chinese staff will operate Indonesia’s first high-speed rail link, at least for the first year pending the readiness of local employees to take over the role. The move appears to be a compromise to ensure the train will start plying the Jakarta-Bandung route in August while meeting the strict safety standards that the government demands.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train to start operating in August – [14/06/23]
“…the inaugural commercial service of the train will become a “special gift” during the country’s 78th anniversary in August.”
Indonesia: China-funded high-speed rail project set for limited August launch – [13/06/23]
“Officials did not say when the Jakarta-Bandung service will begin commercial operations.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train testing hits speed of 220km/h – [13/06/23]
RI rushes to complete high-speed railway link – [13/06/23]
Indonesia to bring in Chinese staff in rush to launch high speed rail link – [13/06/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train to operate in August – [08/06/23]
“The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train (KCJB) is targeted to start operating in mid-August 2023, which coincides with Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day on August 17.”
Indonesia’s delayed China-funded rail project beset by fresh problems – [07/06/23]
“Indonesia’s transport ministry and three consultants have pushed back on a China-funded consortium’s plan to start full commercial operations of the country’s $7.3 billion first high-speed train service in August, an internal document shows.”
Police Nab Gang of Thieves Stealing at Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail – [07/06/23]
Analysis: Jakarta-Bandung HSR rushes for commercial operation in August – [31/05/23]
“PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia Cina (KCIC) is hitting the gas on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) project to meet their promise of being fully operational by Aug. 18 this year by starting their first tests with a comprehensive inspection train (CIT) last week. Some quarters, however, warned a short testing period could compromise safety.”
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Compared to Japan’s Shinkansen – [24/05/23]
Jakarta to Bandung in one hour: Indonesia’s new high-speed train completes first trial run – [23/05/23]
Chinese-made high-speed railway in Indonesia to be fully operational in June – [23/05/23]
“The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway has entered its final testing period, with operations expected to begin in June 2023. As part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, the rail line will cut travel time between the capital Jakarta and the city of Bandung from over three hours to just under 40 minutes. It will also be Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train test to start soon; people asked to stay away from tracks – [15/05/23]
Construction of overhead lines of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway completed – [12/05/23]
1st sample ticket of Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway printed – [10/05/23]
Last batch of units for Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway shipped – [28/04/23]
“The last three electric multiple units customized for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway in Indonesia started being shipped to the Southeast Asian country on Wednesday at Qingdao Port, Shandong province.”
Indonesia seeks debt relief on China-built fast rail project – [20/04/23]
“Another BRI project hits financial speed bumps.”
‘Debt trap’ danger looms in Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project – [17/04/23]
“President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo can only blame himself for the prolonged delay of the Jakarta-Bandung high speed train project, and the huge cost overrun which hit US$982 million according to China, and $1.49 billion according to Indonesia. There were too many loopholes in the contract when it was signed in 2016, clearly because Indonesia was so ambitious to realize the mega project as soon as possible. So, do not blame China.”
Indonesia renegotiates with China to cut loan interest rate of fast train project – [12/04/23]
Indonesia expects to clinch $560 mln Chinese loan for high-speed train soon – [10/04/23]
Indonesia wants China to lower loan interest for high-speed train project – [10/04/23]
Indonesia’s Belt and Road fast train is finally on track, but will it be a success? – [03/04/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train to be inaugurated in August, Luhut says – [31/03/23]
““We hope that the President will inaugurate it on August 18,” said Luhut at the Dukuh Atas LRT Station on Friday, March 31, 2023.”
Track-laying for Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway completed – [28/03/23]
Indonesia’s first high-speed train simulator installed in Bandung – [23/03/23]
Indonesia stuck with China’s high-speed train project – [28/02/23]
“Cost overruns rise question whether project is viable.”
Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway starts operation, maintenance training class – [28/02/23]
Construction of ballastless track slabs completed for Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway – [16/02/23]
Indonesia, China agree to US$1.2 billion cost overrun for Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail project – [14/02/23]
“The consortium behind the project said the cost of it has since ballooned to 113 trillion rupiah.”
Indonesia high-speed railway still beset by problems – [11/02/23]
“Safety, profitability and accessibility issues haunt $6bn China-led project.”
Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway completes installation of eight main power transformers – [09/02/23]
Erick Thohir’s staffer predict high-speed rail to be in demand as panoramic train – [03/02/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail concession extended – [27/01/23]
Welding of all 500-meter rails for Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway completed – [18/01/23]
High-speed rail cost overrun in final negotiation phase, says KCIC – [16/01/23]
Legislator laments Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail’s capital injection – [11/01/23]
Indonesia rail company gets $200 mln capital top up for China-backed project – [03/01/23]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project to be completed on time: KAI – [03/01/23]
2022
Analysis: Fatal accident puts rail project at risk of further delays, higher costs – [28/12/23]
Impossible to stop high-speed rail construction, says official post accident – [22/12/22]
Track-laying equipment accident site cleared, won’t affect Jakarta-Bandung HSR quality: firm – [22/12/22]
KCIC clarifies high-speed rail construction incident in Bandung – [19/12/22]
In depth: How China helped build Indonesia’s high-speed rail – [15/12/22]
Construction progress of Jakarta-Bandung Fast Train reaches 91.7 pct – [08/12/22]
Why does the Indonesian government opt for China but ignore Japan in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project? – [30/11/22]
Trial run of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway successfully completed – [21/11/22]
Indonesia, China and the future of the Belt and Road – [16/11/22]
“Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail showcased at G20 Summit but long-delayed project has been more risk than reward for Indonesia.”
Jokowi and Xi witness trial of China-made high-speed train in Indonesia – [16/11/22]
Firms behind Indonesia’s high-speed rail seek another US$1 billion loan from China – [09/11/22]
Testing section of Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway ready for trial operation – [06/11/22]
As Xi visit draws near, delays haunt Jakarta-Bandung rail project – [03/11/22]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train to operate in mid-2023: Minister – [28/10/22]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train tickets to start at IDR150K – [18/10/22]
Erection of box girders complete on Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, laying foundation for 2023 launch – [17/10/22]
G20 to showcase China’s high-speed rail – [15/10/22]
Indonesia gears up to start its first high-speed rail line – [14/10/22]
“The project is part of a planned 750-kilometer line that would cut across four provinces on the main island of Java.”
Jakarta, Bandung High-speed Railway 88 Percent Complete, Says KAI – [14/10/22]
Negotiations on Indonesia’s China-funded rail project cost overruns hit snag – [13/10/22]
Indonesia’s China-funded rail project on track despite cost overrun – [13/10/22]
“President Joko Widodo inspected a new train station, where the consortium building the railway, PT KCIC, displayed a stationary China-made bullet train on the tracks. The 142-km line will connect the capital Jakarta with one of the country’s largest cities, Bandung.”
Xi Jinping, Joko Widodo to test Indonesia’s China-made high-speed train after G20 meeting in Bali – [04/10/22]
Indonesia presents China-made high-speed train cars – [03/10/22]
Ministry targets Jakarta-Bandung fast train to operate from June 2023 – [02/09/22]
“Second Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Kartika Wirjoatmodjo targets the operation of Jakarta Bandung Fast Train (KCJB) to commence in June 2023 following the first arrival of the train series in Indonesia on September 2.”
First batch of Chinese-made high-speed trains arrives in Jakarta – [02/09/22]
“A cargo of eight Chinese-made high-speed train cars has arrived at a Jakarta port marking the first batch of rolling stock for Indonesia’s first high-speed railway network being built with Chinese technology.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway nears completion, projected to significantly cut travel time – [09/08/22]
China begins to ship bullet trains to Indonesia – [05/08/22]
“China began to ship a total of 11 sets of bullet trains and an inspection train to Indonesia on Friday, Aug. 5.”
1st catenary cantilever installed on Jakarta-Bandung HSR in Indonesia – [16/07/22]
Indonesia, China agree to speed up work on Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway – [10/07/22]
Track-laying begins on main line of Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway – [02/07/22]
Jakarta-Bandung HSR No.1 casting yard completes box girders erection – [27/06/22]
Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway hits new milestone, all tunnels drilled through – [22/06/22]
Jakarta-Bandung HSR No 4 casting yard completes box girders erection – [13/06/22]
Box girders erected on sections of Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail – [26/05/22]
Indonesia wants Chinese lender to fund overrun for high-speed rail line – [22/04/22]
Minister observes installation of railway tracks for KCJB – [21/04/22]
China-led Jakarta-Bandung rail project stumbles – [11/04/22]
Jakarta-Bandung high speed train trial in November 2022 – [10/04/22]
Longest cross-highway box girder erected in Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway – [01/04/22]
Longest tunnel of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway dug through – [22/03/22]
Nusantara poses threat to Indonesia’s China-led high-speed rail – [20/02/22]
“Capital’s move out of Jakarta darkens profit outlook for rail operator.”
Rapid development of the Jakarta-Bandung high speed rail project, KCIC ready to install railroads – [14/02/22]
China-backed Indonesian rail link seen taking 40 years to breakeven – [06/02/22]
Economics of Jakarta-Bandung rail project increasingly bleak – [06/02/22]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway progresses by 79.9 percent: Jokowi – [17/01/22]
Jokowi eyes Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail to operate June 2023 – [17/01/22]
2021
Ballastless track slabs laid for Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway – [30/12/21]
Jakarta-Bandung fast train’s piers rebuilt; KCIC ensures budget won’t swell – [09/12/21]
High-speed train project under scrutiny after reported theft of construction materials – [12/11/21]
Govt to pour Rp 4.3T into Jakarta-Bandung railway project – [09/11/21]
China’s Jakarta-Bandung high speed rail project gets IDR 4.3 trillion of PMN – [02/11/21]
Indonesia to use state budget for cost overrun on Chinese rail project – [14/10/21]
Indonesia turns to state coffers as China-led rail project’s costs soar – [14/10/21]
“When Indonesia awarded the contract for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to a Chinese consortium six years ago, the project was supposed to be completed by 2018 with no financial contributions or guarantees required from the Indonesian government.”
Bump in the road – [12/10/21]
“It is urgent for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to personally raise the issue of the problematic Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Group of 20 Summit in Rome on Oct. 30-31, for the sake of the countries’ bilateral ties and for the interest of China’s global credibility.”
Last batch of rails for Jakarta-Bandung HSR arrives in Indonesia – [21/09/21]
Indonesia looks for more funds as bill for China-backed rail project balloons by US$2 billion – [07/09/21]
“The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, will cost more due to price changes for materials and land acquisition delays.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project cost overruns; KAI explains – [01/09/21]
Box girders erected on sections of Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway – [22/08/21]
Tunnel of Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway completed – [10/08/21]
“The completion of the No. 8 tunnel of the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway (HSR) in Indonesia is of great significance to the full completion of the HSR project.”
24 continuous beams closed in Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway – [30/07/21]
West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil: If I’m not mistaken, the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train can start in October 2022 – [14/07/21]
KAI to lead Indonesian consortium in high-speed rail project with China – [14/07/21]
“With the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project drawing closer to completion, the government wants to put state-owned PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in charge of a consortium of four state-owned enterprises (SOE) that holds the majority stake in the Indonesian-Chinese project.”
Accelerating the $6.07b Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project – [29/06/21]
1st girder erection channel of Jakarta-Bandung HSR completes erecting – [28/05/21]
Trial Run of Jakarta-Bandung Railway Project to Take Place End of 2022, Jokowi Says – [18/05/21]
“President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the location of the Jakarta-Bandung fast train construction project. The progress or development of this project development is already above 70 percent. Therefore, he targets that in early 2022 it will enter the operational stage and by the end of 2022 it can be tested.”
Main structure of 1st station building for Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway roofed over – [01/05/21]
Indonesian companies ask China to up stake in high-speed rail project – [15/04/21]
1st batch of Chinese-made HSR rails arrives at project site in Indonesia – [07/04/21]
KCIC appoints new chief to speed up delayed Jakarta-Bandung railway project – [25/03/21]
Largest-span continuous beam closed in Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high speed rail – [09/03/21]
“So far, 14 out of 28 continuous beams in the whole alignment of Jakarta-Bandung HSR have been closed.”
Continuous beam of Jakarta-Bandung HSR’s no. 2 bridge closes – [16/02/21]
Indonesia invites China as investor for extended high-speed railway – [19/01/21]
“Indonesia will go ahead with plans to extend construction of the Chinese-backed Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to Surabaya despite Japan refusing to join the enlarged project”.
2020
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway progresses by 64%, completes drilling of fifth tunnel – [17/12/20]
“Railway developer PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese companies, has announced that the construction of the widely anticipated Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway has reached 63.9 percent, amid delays due to the pandemic.”
The Jakarta-Bandung rail project: 5 years on and still going nowhere – [03/12/20]
“The railway, China’s landmark BRI project in Indonesia, has failed to account for its economic and social impacts.”
China-made steel rails go on voyage for Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway – [29/11/20]
“China’s high-speed railway exports ushered in a new business in addition to technical standards and contracted construction – as steel rails export heading for Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway (HSR) was on sea voyage, making the nation as one of the few countries in the world that can export long steel rails.”
Off the rails – Indonesia’s Belt and Road rail mess – [24/09/20]
“South-east Asia’s first bullet train is half-way there, according to the Indonesian government. Others say the much-delayed $7.8 billion project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, should never have begun.”
Construction of China-funded railway in Indonesia seen completed in 2023 amid delays – [16/09/20]
Major continuous beam for Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed-Railway built – [15/08/20]
“The continuous beam at the DK29 project site situated in Bekasi district was constructed by Sinohydro Bureau 8 Co., LTD, a subsidiary to state-owned hydropower project contractor Power Construction Corporation China.”
Construction of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway makes steady progress amid COVID-19 pandemic – [02/08/20]
“The high-speed rail project linking Indonesia’s Jakarta and Bandung, carried out by Chinese builders, has successfully balanced construction progress with COVID-19 prevention and control measures this year.”
Bungled Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail line causes chaos – [28/07/20]
“The line was set to open last year but disregard for the environment has plagued construction, resulting in delays.”
Japan puzzled by Indonesia’s policy shift over high-speed rail plan – [27/06/20]
“Japan has been perplexed by Indonesia’s abrupt policy shift on a high-speed railway project, now asking Tokyo to join in on the major infrastructure deal that it originally lost out to China.”
Labor union tells gov’t to hire more local workers for bullet train project – [11/06/20]
Indonesia woos Japan as China-led high-speed-rail project stalls – [08/06/20]
“Tokyo lost to Beijing in bidding, but construction delay creates new opening.”
Jokowi wants Jakarta-Bandung fast train to extend to Surabaya – [30/05/20]
“President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has approved a plan to extend the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail to Surabaya, East Java, with a move that would urge China and Japan, former rivals in the original project, to collaborate for developing Indonesia’s high-speed railway network.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project delayed amid pandemic – [15/04/20]
“Construction on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project is expected to be delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a high-ranking government official has said.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway tunnel completed – [30/04/20]
“Construction of the No.3 tunnel of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia was completed on April 26, laying a solid foundation for future engineering on the rail.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway targeted for completion by 2021 – [24/02/20]
“Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said he is optimistic the development of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project can be completed by late 2021.”
2019
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway on track as CREC installs first box girder – [19/12/19]
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project back on track, says Indonesia’s investment chief – [08/05/19]
“Indonesia’s investment chief Thomas Lembong is optimistic that the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project is back on track after years of mismanagement, but the concern over how long it will take to recoup the costs of the ambitious joint venture still remains.
“What has plagued the project over the last three years is just mismanagement, plain and simple. We had not even the B team in there. Possibly not even the C team, but the D team,” he said at a Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club dialogue on Wednesday (May 8).”
Indonesian ‘Belt and Road’ high-speed rail link expects $18 billion from satellite towns – [02/05/19]
“The Indonesian-Chinese consortium building a high-speed rail link between the capital Jakarta and the textiles hub of Bandung expects to earn $18 billion developing satellite towns and industrial centers along the line, a company official said.”
Indonesia will have a high-speed rail by 2021 – [03/04/19]
“The Indonesian-Chinese joint venture Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC) will complete the construction of a high-speed railway in Indonesia on the Jakarta-Bandung route by 2021.”
2018
Indonesia’s China-financed high-speed rail project off track – [11/10/18]
“Indonesia plans to build Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway — but almost nothing is going to plan.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail to open in 2021: Constructor – [05/08/21]
“With most of the land needed for the track and funding secured, Wijaya Karya is now confident to see the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line operational in 2021.”
China-Indonesia joint railway firm compensates houses for land use – [04/07/21]
China makes breakthroughs in Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line – [09/05/18]
“In contrast to rumors of stagnation, the construction project of Jakarta to Bandung high-speed railway is proceeding well and has recently made breakthroughs, Xinhuanet.com reported on May 8.”
Jakarta-Bandung high speed train fares may reach Rp 500,000 – [20/02/18]
“Fares for the Jakarta-Bandung high speed train, which is expected to operate in 2020, may reach Rp 500,000 (US$35) without a government subsidy.”
Jakarta-Bandung railway project won’t meet target: Minister – [19/02/18]
“State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno has said the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project will fail to meet its completion target in 2019 due to problems in land acquisition.”
Indonesia to extend Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail – [12/02/18]
“The Indonesian government is studying the possibility of extending the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project to connect the newly constructed Kertajati International Airport in Majalengka, West Java, and even Yogyakarta and Surakarta in Central Java”.
2017
Jakarta-Bandung railway project plagued by land acquisition trouble – [07/09/17]
“One of the biggest problems in relation to infrastructure development or construction projects in Indonesia is the land acquisition process. Many projects have been delayed – or cancelled altogether – because local land owners refuse to sell their land to the developers of the project, or, they only agree to sell land at very costly prices.”
Jakarta may offer China larger stake in high-speed rail project – [27/07/17]
“Move being studied as costs rise; it will reduce risks for Indonesia.”
Wika to commit Rp 1.2t to slow-moving Jakarta-Bandung bullet train project – [30/05/17]
Testing begins on the Jakarta-Bandung project in Indonesia – [26/05/17]
“Testing of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project has started, with construction potentially beginning at the end of this month.”
Indonesia, China consortium sign $4.5b loan for high speed railway project – [15/05/17]
Indonesia might see high-speed rail costs swell amid changes – [15/04/17]
“The upcoming Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project is in danger of costing more than it should, with shifting designs of the project threatening to swell costs from the intial estimate of US$5.5 billion to $5.9 billion.”
Jakarta – Bandung construction contract signed – [06/04/17]
Indonesia high-speed train, backed by China, comes untracked – [28/03/17]
“President Joko Widodo’s signature infrastructure project has stalled for a host of familiar reasons, including resistance from the powerful military.”
Indonesian high-speed rail project stalls, waiting on land – [15/02/17]
“Surging prices, local objections hinder acquisitions needed for Chinese financing.”
Indonesia expects CDB loan for Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project in March – [21/01/17]
“Indonesia expects the China Development Bank to disburse a $4.1 billion loan by March, providing crucial financing required to continue construction of the archipelago’s first high-speed railway.”
2016
Jakarta – Bandung HSR project could be completed within three years – [25/08/16]
“The Indonesian high-speed rail project received all permits. Seven months after ground was broken for Indonesia’s first high-speed railway, which is being developed by a China-Indonesia joint venture, the project received a construction permit for its entire length. The developer of the Jakarta – Bandung high-speed rail project, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), recently received a construction permit that covers the entire 142 kilometers line.”
Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project gets all permits – [22/08/16]
“Seven months after ground was broken for Indonesia’s first high-speed railway, which is being developed by a China-Indonesia joint venture, the project received a construction permit for its entire length, media reports said Sunday.”
Atkins to create transit oriented masterplan for Indonesia’s first high speed rail corridor – [08/04/16]
“The TOD masterplan will integrate smart planning, land value capture and development/station integration, with Atkins specifically covering “masterplanning, transit oriented development, architecture and urban design, landscape design and station integration for Halim and Manggarai areas.””
Indonesia: Jakarta – Bandung fast train concession agreement signed – [18/03/16]
“Following an abortive attempt to begin construction of the Jakarta – Bandung high-speed railway line in January of this year, a concession agreement has been signed between Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) and the Ministry of Transportation. The contract provides for a 50 year period of operation after which the railway will be transferred to the Government of Indonesia.”
Stakes couldn’t be higher for Indonesia’s high-speed rail contractor – [04/02/16]
Indonesia’s high-speed rail plan goes off the tracks – [03/02/16]
“Indonesia’s transportation ministry laid out a litany of shortcomings in plans for a $5.5 billion China-funded high-speed railway, casting doubt on the project and spotlighting President Joko Widodo’s limits in turning megaprojects into reality as he tries to draw foreign investors to Southeast Asia’s largest economy.”
Indonesia halts high-speed rail project five days after start – [28/01/16]
“Saying key documents have not been submitted, the Indonesian government has halted work on China’s hard-won Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project just five days after the ground-breaking ceremony.”
Ceremony launches construction of Jakarta – Bandung fast line – [21/01/16]
Indonesia starts construction of high-speed rail line – [21/01/16]
“Indonesia broke ground Thursday on a joint project with China to build Southeast Asia’s first high speed rail service, linking the Indonesian capital Jakarta with Bandung in western Java.”
2015
China, domestic companies to build Indonesia high-speed rail – [16/10/15]
“Officials from China and a domestic consortium signed an agreement Friday to build the first high-speed rail line in Indonesia after Japan lost in the bidding late last month.”
Jakarta-Bandung bullet train unnecessary: House deputy speaker – [02/10/15]
“The government’s decision to move forward with plans for the Jakarta-Bandung bullet train project with China as the sole investor has invited criticism from the House of Representatives (DPR) deputy speaker Fadli Zon.”
Japan cries foul after Indonesia awards rail contract to China – [01/10/15]
“Beijing gatecrashes Shinkansen export plan with deal involving no-strings finance.”
Japan’s rail project loss to China: Why it matters for Abe’s economic diplomacy and for China’s – [01/10/15]
It’s official: China, not Japan, is building Indonesia’s first high-speed railway – [01/10/15]
China’s offer to build the Jakarta-Bandung line without requiring funding from Indonesia was the tipping point.
China wins Indonesia high-speed rail project as Japan laments ‘extremely regrettable’ U-turn – [29/09/15]
“Decision comes after Jakarta had said they were scrapping the high-speed rail project.”
Indonesia cancels plans for first high-speed train – [04/09/15]
“Government axes planned link between Jakarta and Bandung, citing cost and short distance.”
China and Japan are vying to build Indonesia’s first high-speed rail – [17/08/15]
China Railway to Jakarta: Choo-choose us – [13/08/15]
“China Railway will hold a week-long exhibition in one of Jakarta’s most upscale shopping malls to gain local favor as the company competes against Japan to win the first high-speed rail project in the archipelago nation, from Jakarta to Bandung.”
In a race with Japan, China sweetens bid for Indonesia high-speed railway by offering a US$5.5 billion loan – [12/08/15]
China says its high-speed railway package for Indonesia is ‘more competitive’ than Japan’s – [10/08/15]
“China says it is offering more “competitive” benefits for the construction of Indonesia’s first high-speed railway – compared to a rival Japanese offer – as the country completes a feasibility study on the project.”
Japan sweetens Jakarta-Bandung Shinkansen railway offer – [05/08/15]
“Japan is reiterating its intention to win over the Indonesian government in a bid to secure what will be the first high-speed railway project in the archipelago: by offering prices the Japanese claim to be lower than the Chinese are offering.”
Indonesia plans ‘beauty contest’ between China and Japan for high-speed train – [13/07/15]
“The Indonesian government says it will organize a “beauty contest” between China and Japan — the winner of which will be awarded a high-speed train project to connect Jakarta and Bandung.”
2014
Super fast train, Jakarta-Bandung only 37 minutes – [29/01/14]
“The National Development Agency’s deputy of infrastructure Dedy S. Priatna said Indonesia and Japan will work on super fast train project for Jakarta-Bandung route. This project begins with feasibility study for two years and grant of US$15 million from the government of Japan.”
2013
Japan eyes study for bullet train in Indonesia – [18/10/13]
“The study will look into costs and passenger demand, and ways to secure funding for the roughly 150-kilometer route connecting the Indonesian capital Jakarta to Bandung”.
Indonesia’s creaky railways may get ‘shinkansen’ touch – [25/11/13]
“Hitachi, which produces some types of shinkansen, is also exploring the possibility of participating in Indonesia’s new high-speed train project, as a Japan International Cooperation Agency-funded feasibility study on adopting shinkansen technology in Java is slated to begin in January. Such Japanese bullet trains could bring passengers from Jakarta to Bandung, which are 150 kilometers apart, in less than one hour, or from Jakarta to Surabaya in less than three.”
2012
Study on the high speed railway project (Jakarta-Bandung section), Republic of Indonesia [PDF] – [November 2012]
Prepared for: The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Prepared by: Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. Japan International Consultants for Transportation Co., Ltd.
Hey there, KCIC has added another station to the network, the Padalarang station in west Bandung close by an important residential area. It serves as a multimodal transportation hub linking the HSR with the existing local trains, connecting the station with Bandung’s central station. This configuration seems to serve as a band aid solution before Bandung has a proper LRT to link the city with the HSR station in Tegalluar. Bandung’s mayor (or was it West Java’s governor?) also suggested that the HSR may be linked with Kertajati airport, so maybe the northern route option may still be on the table after all….