Indonesia, China Strengthen BRI Partnership with Jakarta-Bandung HSR
Indonesia and China have strengthened their strategic partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR), a significant BRI outcome, is set to revolutionize travel between the two cities. The project, fully adopting Chinese railway systems, is Indonesia's first overseas construction project to do so.
The 142.3-kilometer HSR, owned by PT KCIC, a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese companies, is expected to reduce travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from three hours to a mere 45 minutes, operating at up to 350 kilometers per hour. This project is a testament to the growing bilateral trade, which reached USD 149.1 billion in 2022, marking a 19.8% year-on-year increase.
Beyond the HSR, Indonesia and China's collaboration extends to plans for a phase-two extension to Surabaya. While specific Chinese companies in regional economic corridors are not mentioned, Chinese investment in Indonesia broadly covers sectors like metals processing, power, and infrastructure projects, including renewables and smart city development.
Recognized as one of Indonesia's national strategic projects, the HSR demonstrates the potential of the BRI in fostering economic growth and connectivity. With 149 countries endorsing participation as of April 2023, the BRI continues to establish a modern iteration of the Silk Road, with Indonesia and China leading the way in non-politicized cooperation.
