Deputy Minister Of SOEs: Indonesia-China Agrees To Increase The Cost Of The Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Train

Deputy Minister of SOEs II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo revealed that the Indonesian and Chinese governments have agreed to increase costs or cost overruns of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train.

"Yesterday we were new to Beijing, China where we have agreed on the cost overrun agreed by Indonesia and China so that it can be disbursed immediately to PT KCIC," said Kartika, who is familiarly called Tiko in a Working Meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, quoted from Antara, Monday, February 13.

Tiko also expressed his appreciation for the support of members of Commission VI of the DPR regarding the approval of state capital participation (PMN) to overcome the increase in costs.

"We are currently negotiating a term for a loan from China Development Bank (CDB) which is expected to be completed in one or two weeks so that it is hoped that the completion of the high-speed train will be in accordance with the schedule (operational), namely June or July 2023," he said.

Tiko also hopes that the operation of the high-speed train, which will likely coincide with the LRT train, will interconnect the two modes of public transportation, can occur on August 17, 2023, or coincide with the celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

Previously, Commission VI of the DPR approved additional State Capital Participation (PMN) in 2022 of IDR 3.2 trillion to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) to complete the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Rail (KCJB) project, which experienced an increase in costs (cost overrun).

The DPR asked the Ministry of SOEs to ensure that the PMN provided could be used by KAI to complete the KCJB project on time, namely in June 2023 according to the set timeline. Then the right cost so that it does not cause cost overruns again, is right on quality, and right to provide benefits for the community and economic growth.

The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train is included in a national strategic project (PSN) built through cooperation between Indonesia and China.

The work of this project uses high technology and through transfer of knowledge and technology so that workers in Indonesia have the opportunity to improve their competence.