After Kenya Secures Landmark Railway Debt Deal With China, Indonesia Eyes a Similar Renegotiation

China's Premier Li Qiang (L) walks with Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Downstream Policy Rosan Roeslani upon Li's arrival at the Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta on May 24, 2025. (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP)

Indonesia’s Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani confirmed on Wednesday that talks are underway with Chinese creditors to restructure the $7.3 billion of debt owed by the Sino-Indonesian joint venture that operates the Whoosh high-speed railway.

Although the train has been popular with travelers, carrying more than 10 million passengers in its first two years of operation, it’s nonetheless struggling to generate enough revenue to service the debt.

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by Eric Olander

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