Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is keen on expanding the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, also known as Whoosh, not only to Surabaya, but also Banyuwangi, East Java.
"Insya Allah. Not only to Surabaya, I'm asking to extend it to Banyuwangi now," said Prabowo when asked about Whoosh debt after inaugurating the New Tanah Abang Station, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Prabowo mentioned that he met with former Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan yesterday to exchange views on railways, including the Whoosh high-speed rail.
The head of state ensures no issue with the Whoosh debt, and the government is committed to paying Rp1.2 trillion annually. According to him, the important thing is the benefit resulting from Whoosh, which is to reduce congestion, pollution, and speed up travel.
"I think the important thing is for us to master the technology. We are at the edge of best practice, and remember, this is a symbol of our cooperation with China," he said.
Prabowo also claimed responsibility for the debt payment, hence the general public need not worry about Whoosh's sustainability. "So, don't worry, we are capable and strong."
According to him, the debt payment for Whoosh will leverage seized money from corruption cases. He urged everyone not to give corruptors a chance to roam freely. "There will be plenty of money for us. For all the people."
The Whoosh project was initially estimated to cost US$6.02 billion. Along the way, there was a cost overrun, increasing to US$7.22 billion. Out of the total cost, about 75 percent was funded through loans from the China Development Bank, amounting to US$5.415 billion.
With an annual interest rate of 2 percent for the principal debt and 3.4 percent for the cost overrun, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) must pay US$120.9 million per year for the interest.
– Ferry Firmansyah contributed to the writing of this article