Indonesia to Renegotiate China Rail Loan, 5.1m Riders This Year

Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail “Whoosh” carried 5.1m riders in Jan–Oct 2025, but President Prabowo told his team to seek easier loan terms.
File image of Indonesia's high speed railway that was built and financed by China. TIMUR MATAHARI / AFP

Indonesia’s Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail “Whoosh” carried 5.1 million passengers in January–October 2025, 6.3% more than a year earlier. The record lifts total ridership to more than 12.2 million since it opened on Oct. 17, 2023, the operator PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) said.

Yet President Prabowo Subianto has ordered his economic team and the state investment holding Danantara to renegotiate the Chinese loan for the US$7.2–7.3 billion project. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the options include extending the repayment period.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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