Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Train Officially Introduced as 'Whoosh'

September 21, 2023 | 09:17 pm

TEMPO.CO, JakartaThe government has officially introduced the new name of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train as 'WHOOSH'. “It’s Whoosh,” said Triawan Munaf, Head of the fast train brand competition panel team as a representative of the SOE Ministry, in a press conference held virtually on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Whoosh is also an acronym for Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Handal which literally translates to Save Time, Optimal Operation, Reliable System.

According to Triawan, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi kept mentioning 'Whoosh' when trying out the bullet train which in English means a quick move.

“Because we are looking for terms that can be accepted locally and globally,” Triawan said, adding that Japan has Shinkansen, while Indonesia has Whoosh.

The name will later be attached to the train, the interior of the train, including the station. “People already have the name now, not KCIC, not KCJB. So we’ll ride Whoosh to go everywhere, this will be a very appropriate name. Let's go to Bandung with Whoosh, or later to Surabaya,” Triawan said.

The government would then hold a competition for the design of the WHOOSH logo. At present, three logos are being considered.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya said the name would give the impression that KCJB is the fastest train in ASEAN. Laos also has a fast train, but the speed is still below 200 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, he said that the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train would operate at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour and even up to 380 kilometers per hour.

“The name and logo will be installed by October 1,” Budi Karya said.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

Editor's Choice: Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train Free Public Trial Starts Today

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News


Problematic Options to Resolve Whoosh's Debt

21 November 2025

Problematic Options to Resolve Whoosh's Debt

The government plans to take over the fast rail project, a legacy of Jokowi. State funds will be drained by debt repayments and operating losses.


Prabowo Commits to Annual Rp1.2tn Gov't Payment for Whoosh Debt

4 November 2025

Prabowo Commits to Annual Rp1.2tn Gov't Payment for Whoosh Debt

President Prabowo Subianto said that Whoosh is an essential public transportation that can reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution, and more.


Luhut Claims Whoosh Can Now Cover Operating Costs

31 Oktober 2025

Luhut Claims Whoosh Can Now Cover Operating Costs

The National Economic Council Chair said the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train or Whoosh has a significant economic impact on the region it serves.


Whoosh: The High-Speed Rail's Journey from Opposition to Debt Crisis

2 September 2025

Whoosh: The High-Speed Rail's Journey from Opposition to Debt Crisis

Facing huge debt and financial difficulties, Whoosh project has come a long way since its early days of opposition from ex-minister Ignasius Jonan.


Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Extension to Surabaya Under Review, Says Ministry

1 Agustus 2025

Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Extension to Surabaya Under Review, Says Ministry

President Prabowo's plan to extend the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail to Surabaya is currently under review.


Whoosh Offers Up to 50% Ticket Discounts on School Holidays

9 Juni 2025

Whoosh Offers Up to 50% Ticket Discounts on School Holidays

KCIC is offering various travel discount programs of up to 50 percent across all Whoosh service routes.


KCIC Denies Involvement in Alleged Collusion in Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Project

16 Desember 2024

KCIC Denies Involvement in Alleged Collusion in Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail Project

KCIC has denied any involvement in the alleged collusion found by the KPPU.


Whoosh High-Speed Train: 5.8 Million Tickets Sold in One Year

18 Oktober 2024

Whoosh High-Speed Train: 5.8 Million Tickets Sold in One Year

A total of 5.8 million tickets have been sold for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, or Whoosh, since its commercial operation on October 17, 2023.


5 Major China-Indonesia Projects in Jokowi's Era

16 Mei 2024

5 Major China-Indonesia Projects in Jokowi's Era

China and Indonesia's economic partnership is progressively deepening and entering a golden age under the leadership of Indonesian President Jokowi.


KCIC Says Bad Weather Causes Delays on Whoosh Fast Train Trips

26 April 2024

KCIC Says Bad Weather Causes Delays on Whoosh Fast Train Trips

The high intensity of rain between Karawang and Padalarang stations limited the movement of the KCIC's Whoosh Fast Train on Thursday afternoon.