China Backed Bali MRT Goes Underground for Tradition

China backs Indonesia’s Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail HSR as Jakarta pursues loan restructuring.
A Whoosh train in Jakarta. China backs Indonesia’s Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail HSR as Jakarta pursues loan restructuring. (Photo: Yasuyoshi Chiba / AFP)

Bali’s first-ever subway project is moving closer to reality, with officials favoring underground tunnels over elevated tracks to respect the island’s religious and cultural landscape.

The $20 billion plan is being developed in partnership with China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and includes cooperation with Jakarta’s MRT authorities, following a high-level working visit last Friday.

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