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Chief Executive Officer of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi, revealed the latest update on the Whoosh High-Speed Train project extending to Surabaya. As of now, progress is still under discussion.

"It is currently being discussed with China," Dwiyana said after a Limited Meeting with President Joko Widodo at the State Palace on Wednesday (24/7/2024).

Key Point: 

• During the event, Dwiyana and Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Kartika Wirjoatmodjo chose not to reveal whether the extension of the KCJB project to Surabaya was also a topic of discussion during the meeting with President Joko Widodo
• Luhut clarified that both countries are currently engaged in conducting a feasibility study for the project. Moreover, negotiations on financing, encompassing loans and interest rates, are underway to ensure its long-term viability.

Courtesy Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20240724141708-4-557250/bos-kcic-ungkap-kabar-terbaru-proyek-kereta-cepat-sampai-surabaya

She explained that they are currently in the pre-feasibility study process, conducted jointly by Indonesia and China.

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Furthermore, she mentioned that they are evaluating the high-speed train, starting from passenger trends. Further discussions will be held regarding the cooperation to be undertaken with the Chinese side based on the evaluation work conducted.

"because China has more experience in safety issues related to operational services," she said.

During the occasion, Dwiyana and Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Kartika Wirjoatmodjo declined to disclose whether the continuation of the KCJB project to Surabaya was also discussed with President Joko Widodo in the meeting.

"It's currently under discussion with the Chinese side," she said.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan mentioned that Indonesia and China agreed to form a team for the project.

"We agreed to immediately form a team for the Jakarta-Surabaya High-Speed ​​Rail project," Luhut said after the 4th High-Level Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism (HDCM) with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as quoted from his social media Instagram account, Monday (22/4/2024).

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Luhut explained that the project study is currently being conducted by both countries. In addition, discussions regarding financing, including loans and interest rates, are also being held to ensure future sustainability.

"Now we are discussing the interest rates. Building on our experience with the Jakarta-Bandung project, we aim to make it cheaper. For example, we have learned techniques such as minimizing tunnel construction," he said.

Courtesy Photo Source: https://kcic.co.id/