TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Economist and Public Policy expert from National Development University or UPN Veteran Jakarta, Achmad Nur Hidayat, asked the government not to rush the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train project after the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train (KCJB) project, moreover, by cooperating with China again.

“The government should refrain from using the KCJB scheme for similar projects in other cities. At least, until the state's financial condition is stable,” Achmad told Tempo, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Even when state finance can support it, Achmad opined that the government needs to open up cooperation with other countries that have more potential than China. At least, countries that are more committed to completing the work thoroughly as planned.

The government must first evaluate the KCJB project. He assessed that the KCJB project harmed the state budget (APBN) through state capital injection (PMN).

Achmad recalled the initial deal that the project would use the state budget. In its proposal, China did not ask for state budget guarantees. But in reality, the government needed to inject funds to finish the project.

“This means that China did not keep the commitment which in the end became a burden on state finances,” Achmad said, adding that there was also no transfer of knowledge and transfer of technology as agreed.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi confirmed the plan to build the bullet train connecting Jakarta and Surabaya. He believed that the project could be realized.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, meanwhile, said the government may again partner with China in the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train project. He also believed that the project cost will be cheaper if collaborating with China again. Nevertheless, he said the government is open to cooperation options with other countries.

RIRI RAHAYU | RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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