As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people's livelihood.
JAKARTA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia on Thursday grandly celebrated the first anniversary of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), a landmark project as Southeast Asia's first high-speed rail.
With a speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3 km high-speed rail, built in cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, has slashed the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just about 40 minutes. Over the past year, the rail, affectionately called "Whoosh" for its remarkable speed, has inspired profound changes in the towns and cities along the line.
As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, "Whoosh" has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people's livelihood.
CONNECTING CITIES
In October 2023 when the railway started operation, Indonesian President Joko Widodo revealed the name of the HSR, "Whoosh," inspired by the train's sound and meaning fast, efficient and reliable in the Indonesian language.
With seamless connectivity with other transport networks such as light rail transit and shuttle buses, the sleek red and silver bullet train has made traveling between Indonesia's key cities an efficient and enjoyable experience.
According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and runs the HSR, Whoosh has transported 5.79 million passengers by Oct. 17 this year, including 300,000 international tourists from 159 countries.
An increasing number of Indonesians find this rapid transit option indispensable, as they can now spend more time with family on weekends and travel to economic hubs with ease.
"Previously, I took a conventional train on Saturday morning and returned to Jakarta on Sunday evening," said Halim Ali Sabhana, a 27-year-old commuter.
"Now, since it only takes 40 minutes by 'Whoosh,' I can go back to Bandung on Friday afternoon after work, and arrive at my Jakarta office on Monday morning," he told Xinhua.
Raden Agung Wijaya, a 43-year-old business owner, said the railway has made his frequent business trips between Jakarta and Bandung much easier.
"Instead of driving my car, I'm taking Whoosh to Bandung. Less time, and less tiring. I can meet clients on time," he said.
Over the past year, the number of trains per day increased from 14 initially to 52 in the peak period as the railway quickly gained popularity, with the number of passenger seats increasing from over 8,400 to more than 31,000, and the maximum number of passengers per day at 24,132.
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As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people's livelihood.
JAKARTA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia on Thursday grandly celebrated the first anniversary of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), a landmark project as Southeast Asia's first high-speed rail.
With a speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3 km high-speed rail, built in cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, has slashed the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just about 40 minutes. Over the past year, the rail, affectionately called "Whoosh" for its remarkable speed, has inspired profound changes in the towns and cities along the line.
As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, "Whoosh" has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people's livelihood.
CONNECTING CITIES
In October 2023 when the railway started operation, Indonesian President Joko Widodo revealed the name of the HSR, "Whoosh," inspired by the train's sound and meaning fast, efficient and reliable in the Indonesian language.
With seamless connectivity with other transport networks such as light rail transit and shuttle buses, the sleek red and silver bullet train has made traveling between Indonesia's key cities an efficient and enjoyable experience.
According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and runs the HSR, Whoosh has transported 5.79 million passengers by Oct. 17 this year, including 300,000 international tourists from 159 countries.
An increasing number of Indonesians find this rapid transit option indispensable, as they can now spend more time with family on weekends and travel to economic hubs with ease.
"Previously, I took a conventional train on Saturday morning and returned to Jakarta on Sunday evening," said Halim Ali Sabhana, a 27-year-old commuter.
"Now, since it only takes 40 minutes by 'Whoosh,' I can go back to Bandung on Friday afternoon after work, and arrive at my Jakarta office on Monday morning," he told Xinhua.
Raden Agung Wijaya, a 43-year-old business owner, said the railway has made his frequent business trips between Jakarta and Bandung much easier.
"Instead of driving my car, I'm taking Whoosh to Bandung. Less time, and less tiring. I can meet clients on time," he said.
Over the past year, the number of trains per day increased from 14 initially to 52 in the peak period as the railway quickly gained popularity, with the number of passenger seats increasing from over 8,400 to more than 31,000, and the maximum number of passengers per day at 24,132.
