October 29, 2025 | 03:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has responded to former president Joko Widodo or Jokowi's statement regarding the Bandung-Jakarta high-speed train project, Whoosh. Jokowi had previously asserted that the fundamental principle of mass transportation projects, like Whoosh, is for public service, not for seeking profit.
"There is some truth in it, because Whoosh actually has a regional development mission," Purbaya told journalists at Menara Bank Mega on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
However, Purbaya noted that the areas along the Whoosh route have not yet been adequately developed. This development, he stressed, is necessary to ensure the economy surrounding the project location can also grow.
The Whoosh project has generated wide discussion after Danantara entered into negotiations with China to restructure the project's debt. Purbaya has been firm on the matter, stating that he does not want the State Budget (APBN) to be used to pay off Whoosh's debt.
The total investment in the Indonesia-China High-Speed Train (KCIC) project is substantial, reaching US$7.27 billion, or nearly Rp121 trillion. Seventy-five percent of this cost was financed through loans from the China Development Bank, carrying an annual interest rate of 2 percent.
Jokowi's Rationale: Public Service Over Profit
The high-speed train is a signature infrastructure policy during President Jokowi's term. When approached in Mangkubumen, Solo City, Central Java, on Monday, October 27, 2025, Jokowi refused to comment directly on Purbaya's previous emphasis that the Whoosh debt would not be borne by the APBN.
Instead, Jokowi focused on explaining the background and core purpose of the project's development. He stated that Whoosh was built primarily to address the chronic congestion in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek), and Bandung regions.
According to him, the economic loss due to congestion in Jakarta alone is estimated at Rp65 trillion per year, a figure that could climb to more than Rp100 trillion per year for the combined Jabodetabek and Bandung areas.
Therefore, the government is designing an integrated mass transportation system, which includes commuter trains, MRT, LRT, airport trains, and high-speed trains.
Jokowi concluded by reaffirming the project's mission: "The basic principle of mass transportation is public service. Not for seeking profit, but for social benefits, social return on investment."
Septia Ryanthie contributed to the report
Editor's Choice: Survey: Minister Purbaya Leads in Electability Over VP Gibran and Governor Dedi Mulyadi
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Foreign Minister Denies TV Error Prompted Prabowo's Early Exit from ASEAN Summit
38 menit lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono responded to speculation regarding President Prabowo Subianto's early return from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Survey: Minister Purbaya Leads in Electability Over VP Gibran and Governor Dedi Mulyadi
45 menit lalu
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa's electability ranked second after Prabowo in the survey conducted by IndexPolitica Indonesia.
Indonesian Govt Channels Rp13tn in Seized CPO Corruption Funds into LPDP
1 jam lalu
Minister of Finance Purbaya stated the government has earmarked Rp13.2 trillion from the seized assets of CPO corruption for LPDP.
Today's Top 3 News: BGN to Reward Creators Rp5 Million for Positive Coverage of Free Nutritious Meal Program
17 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Brief History of Whoosh: Jokowi's High-Speed Train Project Now Under Corruption Probe
22 jam lalu
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating alleged corruption in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, Whoosh.
KPK Reveals Alleged Corruption in Indonesia's Whoosh High-Speed Train Project
1 hari lalu
The investigation on the alleged corruption in the Whoosh high-speed train project has commenced by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) since early 2025.
Purbaya's Strategy to Reduce Deficit as Indonesian Gov't Debt Reaches Rp9,138 Trillion
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's Minister of Finance Purbaya also ensures that obstacles to the real sector growth can be significantly reduced.
Purbaya Cracks Down on Illegal Thrift Imports, Says 'I'll Arrest Those Who Refuse First'
1 hari lalu
Responding to resistance from thrift store operators against tighter import rules, Minister Purbaya said, "Those who refuse, I will arrest first. "
KPK Launches Probe into Alleged Corruption in Indonesia's High-Speed Train Project
1 hari lalu
Allegations of corruption in the high-speed train project surfaced after being revealed by former Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD.
Jokowi on Whoosh Polemic: Mass Transport is for Public Service, Not for Financial Profit
1 hari lalu
Jokowi commented on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail or Whoosh project, which reportedly carries a debt burden of up to Rp118 trillion.
