Indonesia’s high-speed train: Speed, fare, distance, cost, everything you need to know

INDONESIA’S HIGH-SPEED TRAIN: 'Bullet train' transport is finally happening in Indonesia. The Kereta Cepat Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Train (KCJB) is set to roll out commercially in October 2023, said officials. The project heralds a new era of efficient and rapid transportation connectivity in Indonesia. This cutting-edge rail system is set to link the capital city of Jakarta with the vibrant city of Bandung in a mere 36 minutes, a journey that currently takes several hours by road.

DISTANCE: KCJB will cover a distance of 142 km, between the capital Jakarta and Bandung (West Java). Once launched, it set to be the first high-speed rail link in Southeast Asia and is faster than Japan's "bullet train", or Shinkansen.

SAFETY TESTS: The consortium behind the project announced on August 8 that it is conducting final safety tests. A "soft launch” slated this month (August) was postponed until early September, as the operators needed for more time to assure the KCJB's safe operations. The original target of 2019 was pushed back due to a number of factors, including land acquisition, said its builders.

COMMISSIONING: An earlier test of Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train shows a speed of 301 km/h. The rail system has entered the commissioning, with speed of up to 350km/h. The highest speed should be the test of 385 km/h.

FASTER THAN SHINKANSEN? Anticipation has been building up for the launch of the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Rail line. The 350 km/h (220 mph) line is operated by the consortium Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC). By comparison, Japan’s bullet train, also known as 'Shinkansen', and France’s TGVs have a top speeds of 320 km/h.

TRAIN FARE, HOW MUCH? The fare from Jakarta to Bandung on the new high-speed train has been estimated at 250,000-300,000 rupiah (about $16.44-$19.72), according to a Reuters report.

COIN TEST: The train has gone through several trial runs of 350 km/h without any hitches. A so-called “coin test” conducted on board the high-speed rail at 300km/h. The KCJB is also said to be the first high-speed rail in the southern hemisphere.

MAXIMUM SPEED: On June 22, 2023, the train speed reached a maximum of 385 km/h (239 mph) during a test, reaching a maximum of 386 km/h (240 mph).

FASTER COMMUTE: The Jakarta-Bandung “bullet train”, will reduce the 3 hours it currently takes to get from the capital to the neighbouring city of Bandung to as little as 36 minutes. “As the first high-speed rail link in Asean, operating the train requires very careful preparation. All aspects will be prepared properly to prioritize customer safety,” Eva Chairunisa, spokesperson for the consortium PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) was quoted as saying by the Jakarta Post.

CUSTOMER, ECOLOGICAL FOCUS: Its builders said that every aspect of the new line will be well-prepared, with a primary focus on passenger safety and comfort. An Electric Multiple Unit high-speed train for a Jakarta-Bandung rail link project is parked at Tegalluar train depot in Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia, October 13, 2022. The train's eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient systems, reflect a commitment to sustainable development.

FINAL TESTS: Snaps and videos showing final tests of Indonesia's first-ever high-speed train ahead of an October 2023 commercial rollout are going around on social media including this one taken by a security staff.

NEXT-GENERATION TRAINS: By design, Indonesia’s first high-speed rail line uses next-generation train with a top speed of 420 km/h. Indonesian authorities, however, will only permit a top speed of 350 km/h due to safety concerns, according to local media. This ambitious infrastructure project showcases advanced engineering and technological prowess, with its sleek design and modern amenities ensuring a world-class travel experience.

SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE: The trial of facilities and infrastructure has been carried out successfully. The builder, PT Kereta Cepat, is also ensuring that all supporting operational elements will function properly when the train is operational.

COST: The original project cost of $5.5 billion (about 78 trillion rupiah) saw an overrun of around $1.2 billion, mostly due to land acquisition, according to the builders, PT Kereta Cepat, a consortium composed of four state-owned Indonesian companies and the China Railway International Co. Ltd. In February 2023, Indonesia and China agreed to a budget overrun of 18 trillion rupiah ($1.2 billion) for the KCJB project.

EASING CONGESTIONS: The train is expected to significantly reduce traffic along one of the busiest travel corridors in the world. Indonesia’s high-speed rail (HSR, Kereta Cepat) connects its largest and 4th-largest cities, Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of West Java, a distance of 142.3 kilometres (88.4 miles).

ROLLING STOCK: The train sets are KCIC400AF Fuxing EMU rolling stock. The first trainset was tested on November 16, 2022, at the 2022 G20 Bali Summit. During the Asean Summit in May 2023, the high-speed rail route between Jakarta and Bandung also conducted test runs.

FULL OPERATIONAL LAUNCH: Commercial launch is scheduled for October 1, an official told BenarNews. When it rolls out, the KCJB high-speed rail will mark a pivotal moment for Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's infrastructure focus and China's Belt and Road initiative in Southeast Asia. A handout photo released on October 13, 2022 by Indonesia's presidential palace shows President Jokowi standing next to a high-speed train at Tegalluar.