BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB), commonly referred to as “Whoosh,” celebrates its one-year anniversary today after transporting 5.79 million passengers since its commercial launch in October 2023. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises and China, reported this achievement.
Since its launch, KCJB has completed over 15,826 train journeys and covered more than 2.57 million kilometers. The service has grown significantly, increasing daily train services from 14 at the start to 52 now. The number of passenger seats has also risen from 8,400 to over 31,000.
Daily passenger numbers have reached impressive heights, with a peak of 24,132 passengers in one day, according to KCIC’s data. This growth highlights the train’s popularity among commuters traveling between Jakarta and Bandung.
Economic Impact on DKI Jakarta and West Java
Government data shows that from 2019 to 2023, the KCJB project contributed approximately Rp86.5 trillion (about 5.62 billion USD) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of DKI Jakarta and West Java. This contribution illustrates the project’s economic benefits and its positive impact on local economies.
The KCJB can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, which reduces travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 46 minutes. This significant reduction in travel time not only enhances connectivity but also creates more opportunities for business and leisure travel between these two major Indonesian cities.
As KCJB continues to develop its services and expand, it showcases modern infrastructure and international collaboration. This project paves the way for a new era in Indonesian transportation, and its promising performance in just one year suggests a bright future ahead for the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train.
(Firyal Trinidad)
