China Offers `Better` Bullet Train Project

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chinese government through the Minister of National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Xu Shaoshi, promised a better offer for the Jakarta-Bandung bullet train project.

To President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Shaoshi reported the feasibility study submitted by a Chinese company for the Jakarta-Bandung bullet train project.

Guaranteed to be completed within three years, with the ground breaking in the end of August 2015 and completed in the end of 2018, said Shaoshi.

Shaoshi also believes that the train will provide benefits after five years of operation.

In the feasibility study, Shaoshi mentioned the superiorities of the train are:

1. Having a longer railway with a total of 150km.  The 350km/h will have 8-stations starting from Halim and will be extended to Manggarai and Gambir.  The train will connect with existing trains and LRTs in the design.  The ratio of the bridge to the tunnel is 62 percent.

2. China will give a more competitive financial plan price and cost effective project.  Unfortunately, Shaoshi did not mention the investment value for the train.

3. Shaoshi guarantees that the project will be completed within three years.  If the ground breaking starts at the end of August and starts development in September, then the project could be completed in 2018.

4. China offers a joint venture which comprise of Indonesian and Chinese consortium on this project, so both parties can enjoy the benefits and bear the risk together.  Both sides will be doing a comprehensive cooperation which includes design, construction, management, maintenance, and training.

Through the project, Shaoshi promised to create 40,000 job vacancies each year, and will assist Indonesia to train expert teams that are capable of developing, operating and managing the trains, he said.

According to the information from International Union Railways, Shaoshi claims that the Chinese train has the world’s best security level.

ALI HIDAYAT