Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project under graft probe

Whoosh project has been target of corruption allegations amid huge debt

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Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced an investigation into alleged graft pertaining to the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) Whoosh, which has recently been in hot water over debt incurred by the project.

The case is in the preliminary investigation stage, according to KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo.

“Our probe has been ongoing since the beginning of this year, and we are still gathering the necessary information to uncover the case,” Mr Budi told reporters on Oct 27. He declined to disclose more details about the investigation, including potential suspects.

The HSR is operated by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), a joint venture owned by two consortiums from Indonesia and China.

Responding to the KPK’s investigation, KCIC corporate secretary Eva Chairunisa said the firm would respect the ongoing legal process.

“We will cooperate with the KPK for the investigation,” she said.

The investigation is the first corruption probe since the project was launched in 2023.

Named as one of the national strategic projects (PSN) introduced during the administration of former president Joko Widodo, Whoosh spans over 142km from Halim Station in Jakarta to Tegalluar Station in Bandung regency, West Java.