Jakarta, IO – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo officially launched the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway (KCJB), known by its popular moniker Whoosh, at Halim Station, East Jakarta, Monday (2/10).
Earlier, Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan reported in his remark that the public trial phase had been carried out.
“In the three weeks since the opening of the free trial to the public, we have directly seen an extraordinary sense of enthusiasm where the public has been invited to directly experience the benefits (of the HSR) firsthand,” said Luhut.
Luhut added that the public can still ride Whoosh free of charge until mid-October. “Due to the public’s keen interest, we have agreed to provide free rides until mid-October,” said Luhut.
After giving his speech, President Jokowi pressed the siren button to officially kickstart the commercial operations. Afterward, he and First Lady Iriana and entourage departed for Padalarang Station, West Bandung.
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Woosh is the first bullet train in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It can hit a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour along a 142.3-km track with four stations — Halim, Karawang, Padalarang and Tegalluar.
It has a spacious and modern design which is divided into three classes with a total capacity of 601 passengers. The facilities onboard include power sockets, luggage racks, mini bars, bag hooks and accessible toilets. (rr)