CATALYZING GROWTH
The operation of the high-speed train has created more economic opportunities, with new residential areas, markets, and shopping centers emerging around the bustling train stations.
Small businesses are thriving in the burgeoning community-based economic ecosystem surrounding the train stations, said Bey Machmudin, acting governor of West Java. Local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have filled various kiosks at Padalarang station and Tegalluar station, Machmudin said.
"West Java residents welcome the Whoosh train and it must be utilized as best as possible to improve the community's economy. (Looking) ahead, we hope the MSMEs can also work with tourism associations to provide tour packages in Bandung," he said.
At Tegalluar station in the suburbs of Bandung, Tati Heryati, a Sundanese pancake seller, saw a five-fold increase in his daily income.
"Previously, I could only earn 100,000 rupiahs (6.42 U.S. dollars) per day. But since Whoosh started running, I can now earn 500,000 rupiahs (32.09 dollars) a day," Heryati told Xinhua.
"Many of my neighbors have also become vendors here, selling everything from food and beverages to merchandise, because they can now earn more," he said.
The ease of travel has also drawn more visitors to destinations in West Java, ranging from Bandung's bustling city center to previously hard-to-reach areas.
Al Jabbar Mosque, a grand mosque located 5 km away from Tegalluar station, sees crowds of visitors from Jakarta on Sunday afternoon after the Muslim prayer time.
Hendrawan Prasetyo, 38, said he came from Jakarta for a vacation with his wife and two children via Whoosh. "I was amazed by the speed. Whoosh has made vacations even more practical. Now we can visit tourist destinations outside the city center of Bandung," he told Xinhua.
Arief Syaifudin, head of the Bandung Culture and Tourism Agency, said Whoosh has greatly boosted tourism in West Java. Popular spots like Al Jabbar Mosque and Bandung's renowned culinary scene have seen a rising influx of visitors. During the holiday season in April, hotel occupancy rates have reached 86.8 percent.
Tourists can hop off the train to explore the surrounding areas of Bandung, Machmudin said, adding that the provincial government is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises near Padalarang and Tegalluar stations to introduce more Bandung culinary and tourism packages to visitors.
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CATALYZING GROWTH
The operation of the high-speed train has created more economic opportunities, with new residential areas, markets, and shopping centers emerging around the bustling train stations.
Small businesses are thriving in the burgeoning community-based economic ecosystem surrounding the train stations, said Bey Machmudin, acting governor of West Java. Local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have filled various kiosks at Padalarang station and Tegalluar station, Machmudin said.
"West Java residents welcome the Whoosh train and it must be utilized as best as possible to improve the community's economy. (Looking) ahead, we hope the MSMEs can also work with tourism associations to provide tour packages in Bandung," he said.
At Tegalluar station in the suburbs of Bandung, Tati Heryati, a Sundanese pancake seller, saw a five-fold increase in his daily income.
"Previously, I could only earn 100,000 rupiahs (6.42 U.S. dollars) per day. But since Whoosh started running, I can now earn 500,000 rupiahs (32.09 dollars) a day," Heryati told Xinhua.
"Many of my neighbors have also become vendors here, selling everything from food and beverages to merchandise, because they can now earn more," he said.
The ease of travel has also drawn more visitors to destinations in West Java, ranging from Bandung's bustling city center to previously hard-to-reach areas.
Al Jabbar Mosque, a grand mosque located 5 km away from Tegalluar station, sees crowds of visitors from Jakarta on Sunday afternoon after the Muslim prayer time.
Hendrawan Prasetyo, 38, said he came from Jakarta for a vacation with his wife and two children via Whoosh. "I was amazed by the speed. Whoosh has made vacations even more practical. Now we can visit tourist destinations outside the city center of Bandung," he told Xinhua.
Arief Syaifudin, head of the Bandung Culture and Tourism Agency, said Whoosh has greatly boosted tourism in West Java. Popular spots like Al Jabbar Mosque and Bandung's renowned culinary scene have seen a rising influx of visitors. During the holiday season in April, hotel occupancy rates have reached 86.8 percent.
Tourists can hop off the train to explore the surrounding areas of Bandung, Machmudin said, adding that the provincial government is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises near Padalarang and Tegalluar stations to introduce more Bandung culinary and tourism packages to visitors.
