Cooperation between Indonesia and China in the development of high-speed rail, particularly through the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project, creates a strategic partnership in transportation infrastructure development. The project, initiated by a consortium led by China Railway Corporation (CRC) with PT Wijaya Karya and PT Kereta Api Indonesia, aims to provide an efficient transportation link between the capital cities of Jakarta and Bandung. With significant investments from China Development Bank (CDB) and China Exim Bank, the project is not only one of the largest infrastructure projects in Indonesia but also demonstrates strong financial backing from the Chinese side.
China's proven high-speed rail technology is being implemented in the project, with Chinese technicians and engineers involved in the construction and installation of facilities. The use of this technology is expected to reduce travel time between Jakarta and Bandung to around 40--45 minutes, improving connectivity between the two major economic centers in West Java.
The high-speed rail project has a positive impact on the transportation sector and is expected to contribute significantly to the regional economy. The construction of this project requires a lot of labor, including construction, technicians, engineers, and other support staff. This empowerment of local labor can increase employment levels and provide direct benefits to the local community.
While this project has great potential to advance the transportation sector and economy in Indonesia, there are some challenges and controversies that have arisen. One of them is land and environmental issues. These controversies relate to land acquisition, environmental changes, and the potential loss of natural resources. Therefore, careful handling is required so that this project can run as planned and provide maximum benefits to the community.
The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project reflects strong regional and international cooperation between Indonesia and China. Regionally, the project is an example of close collaboration between two neighboring countries that support each other in the development of transportation infrastructure. By improving connectivity between two major economic centers in West Java, the project can contribute to regional integration and enhance the mobility of people and goods in the region.
From an international perspective, this cooperation creates a closer bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China. The active involvement of companies and governments from both countries in this project signifies the high level of trust and collaboration between them. This large-scale infrastructure project is part of a broader strategy of economic cooperation and investment between Indonesia and China.
As such, it reflects the joint efforts of Indonesia and China to address infrastructure challenges while advancing regional growth and connectivity.
REFERENCE
T. (2023, September 15). Operasional Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung Libatkan 852 Pekerja China. Retrieved from https://www.cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20230915082105-92-999298/operasional-kereta-cepat-jakarta-bandung-libatkan-852-pekerja-china
Rana, A. Y., & Rana, A. Y. (2023, December 26). Indonesia's High-Speed Railway Hits a Million Passenger Mark. Retrieved from https://bnnbreaking.com/world/china/indonesias-high-speed-railway-achieves-million-passenger-milestone/
Pratama, A. M. (2023, October 31). Indonesia Lanjut Kerja Sama dengan China Garap Proyek Kereta Cepat sampai Surabaya. Retrieved from https://money.kompas.com/read/2023/10/31/181000426/indonesia-lanjut-kerja-sama-dengan-china-garap-proyek-kereta-cepat-sampai
