Prabowo Subianto Proposes Expanding Whoosh High-Speed Rail Network in Indonesia

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto expressed his desire to extend the Whoosh high-speed rail (HSR) network to Java’s easternmost city of Banyuwangi, surpassing the earlier planned endpoint of Surabaya. Despite concerns about the project’s debt, he assured that he would take responsibility for Whoosh. Prabowo emphasized that the project’s value should not be solely measured by financial losses, pointing out social benefits like reduced travel time and air pollution as crucial. He asserted, ‘There’s no need for commotion because we are strong enough to handle it,’ indicating confidence in Indonesia’s ability to manage the high-speed rail. Prabowo mentioned that paying around US$72 million annually in interest expense is manageable given the advantages of the transport system.