Prabowo Pledges to Cover Whoosh High-Speed Rail Debt, Signals State Support
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to take full responsibility for resolving the financial burden of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, known as Whoosh. Speaking during the inauguration of the new Tanah Abang Station in Jakarta on Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025, he assured the public there is no need to worry about the project’s debts, saying the government will manage them responsibly.
“I have studied the Whoosh issue carefully. There is no problem. I will take responsibility for the entire Whoosh project,” Prabowo said in his remarks.
The president emphasized that the government’s role in providing public infrastructure goes beyond profit considerations. “Around the world, public transport is treated as a public service obligation. Our Transportation Minister explained that the government subsidizes about 60 percent of train operations while passengers pay the remaining 40 percent. This is the presence of the state,” he said.
Prabowo added that he has already calculated the project’s obligations, assuring that the state is capable of handling them. “Don’t worry about the Whoosh debate. Indonesia is strong and wealthy. What matters is that the government remains vigilant and prevents anyone from stealing the people’s money,” he said. “I will make sure every rupiah serves the people.”
The president later told reporters that the government would allocate around Rp 1.2 trillion annually to service the Whoosh debt. “There’s no problem. We’ll pay about Rp 1.2 trillion per year,” he said, adding that the project’s broader benefits must be taken into account.
“The benefits include reduced congestion, lower pollution, and faster travel. These are what truly count,” he said. Prabowo also described the project as a milestone for Indonesia’s technological advancement and a symbol of friendship with China.
“Let’s not politicize this. Some parties might want to create anxiety, but Indonesia can handle this. The President of the Republic must take responsibility, and I have done so,” he said.
State Support and Coordination
A day earlier, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) signaled that the national budget, or APBN, could contribute to resolving Whoosh’s debt obligations. After attending a cabinet meeting led by Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, AHY confirmed that “the government and the state will be present in addressing the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail issue.”
He said the discussion involved several key officials, including Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani, and Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandi.
“All parties agreed to take part in the financial restructuring of the high-speed rail,” AHY explained. “The APBN will definitely be part of the solution, although the specific mechanism will be announced later.”
AHY’s remarks came amid growing public scrutiny of the project’s debt, estimated at more than Rp 114 trillion since its launch.
KPK Investigation Underway
Meanwhile, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed that it has been investigating allegations of irregularities in the Whoosh project since early 2025.
“The inquiry has been ongoing since the beginning of this year,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo. “Our team is still collecting evidence and testimony to determine whether elements of corruption exist.”
The anti-graft agency has yet to disclose which individuals have been questioned or the potential scale of state losses. “We are still focused on verifying the facts and building the case structure. Updates will be shared periodically as part of our transparency commitment,” Budi said.
He also invited the public to submit any relevant information regarding the high-speed rail project. “Every piece of data or report from citizens helps enrich our investigation,” he added.