Private investors eye expansion of high-speed rail to Semarang and Surabaya

  • Published on 13/06/2025 GMT+7

  • Reading time 3 minutes

  • Author: Julian Isaac

  • Editor: Imanuddin Razak

Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, has revealed of growing interest from several companies in continuing the expansion of Indonesia’s high-speed rail network, particularly the extension from Jakarta to Semarang in Central Java or Surabaya in East Java. 

The interest includes companies involved in the current Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail project, known as Woosh.

"Several companies have shown interest in continuing this program, including those involved with the Woosh project," Suntana said on the sidelines of the International Conference on Infrastructure (ICI) 2025 in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

While he did not disclose the names of the interested firms, Suntana emphasized that the government is currently exploring two possible routes for the expansion − via the southern or northern corridor of Java Island. He stressed that the final decision will be based on a comprehensive feasibility study that ensures maximum efficiency and benefits for passenger and cargo mobility.

"Everything we’re doing aims to improve the ease of moving people and goods across regions quickly, safely, and efficiently," he said.

Suntana confirmed that the high-speed rail project will continue, even though it remains in the technical planning and feasibility study stage. The government is setting targets for completion but is currently prioritizing detailed assessments to support investment decisions and construction plans.

"We definitely have targets in mind, but right now we're still studying its feasibility," he said.

During the conference, Suntana also made a strong appeal to the private sector to join in building a sustainable, green national transportation system aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing environmentally friendly infrastructure across Indonesia.

"We’re inviting private entities to collaborate with the Ministry of Transportation in developing the country's transport infrastructure," he said.

He highlighted the importance of sustainable transport solutions that not only lower emissions but also help preserve ecosystems and leave behind a green infrastructure legacy for future generations. Recognizing the government’s limited fiscal capacity to fund all transportation projects, Suntana emphasized the need for public-private partnerships as the primary mechanism to accelerate infrastructure development.

"Our national budget is still not enough to cover everything. That's why we're working together with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)," he cited.

With the success of the Jakarta–Bandung Woosh line as a foundation, the government is now looking to replicate and scale that progress toward a broader high-speed rail network that can boost connectivity and economic integration across Java.

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