Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged the public to cease debating the debt surrounding the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (KCJB), popularly known as Whoosh.
The Head of State emphasized that this rapid transportation initiative stands as a powerful symbol of strategic cooperation between Indonesia and China, affirming that the government has meticulously planned and accounted for all aspects of the project.
During the inauguration of the New Tanah Abang Station in Jakarta on Tuesday, President Prabowo declared, “Remember, this is a symbol of our cooperation with China. So, let’s put the arguments aside. I have stated that the President of Indonesia takes full responsibility. There’s no need to fuss; we are capable, we are strong, and the funds are available.” This statement underscored his confidence in Indonesia’s financial capacity.
Prabowo elaborated on the financial commitments, acknowledging that PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is indeed obligated to make annual payments of approximately IDR 1.2 trillion to China. However, he quickly dismissed these concerns, highlighting the immense benefits Whoosh brings to the populace, particularly in alleviating urban congestion and mitigating pollution.
Reiterating his unwavering resolve, Prabowo asserted, “There’s no need to worry about the Whoosh fuss. I have thoroughly studied the matter, and there are no problems. I will personally take responsibility for the entirety of the Whoosh project.”
He firmly stated that the government possesses both the capacity and capability to shoulder all financing for the ambitious project. According to him, Indonesia’s substantial economic strength guarantees the successful execution of such vital national strategic projects.
“Indonesia is not just any country. We have calculated everything, and there are no issues. So, PT KAI has no reason to worry, and neither should the public. We are here to serve our people, providing technology and infrastructure through collective responsibility. Ultimately, the buck stops with the President, so I am responsible for Whoosh,” he declared with conviction.
Furthermore, Prabowo highlighted the improved efficiency in state financial management, attributing it to the government’s stringent oversight measures against corruption. He believes these proactive steps enable a larger portion of the national budget to be redirected towards benefiting the public.
Concluding his remarks, he appealed for public support, stating, “The money that was previously embezzled by corrupt practices, I am saving it, refusing to give them any opportunity. Therefore, I ask all my fellow citizens to help me ensure these corruptors do not run rampant. There will be plenty of funds available for us, for all the people.” This reinforces his commitment to transparent governance and national prosperity.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto urged the public to cease debating the debt surrounding the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (Whoosh), affirming it as a strong symbol of strategic cooperation between Indonesia and China. He declared the Indonesian President takes full responsibility for the project, assuring that the government has meticulously planned and accounted for all aspects. Prabowo dismissed concerns over PT KAI’s annual payments to China, emphasizing Indonesia’s financial capacity and the project’s significant benefits in alleviating urban congestion and pollution.
The President reiterated his confidence in Indonesia’s economic strength, asserting the government’s capacity to shoulder all financing for this vital national strategic project. He highlighted improved state financial management due to stringent oversight against corruption, which allows more of the national budget to be redirected for public benefit. Prabowo appealed for public support to ensure corrupt practices are curbed, promising ample funds for the nation’s development and its people.