The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train has recently been established in Indonesia, and it reflects promising prospects for the country’s infrastructure. This initiative is a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to develop new trade routes throughout the Asian continent, and it is the first high-speed rail in the entire Southeast Asia region.

The launching of this rail is the result of rapid and impressive economic growth in SEA. The region has become an economic powerhouse in terms of GDP, especially when compared to other developing regions, so it is no surprise that such efficient transportation is now being implemented. Bullet trains are more environmentally efficient, saving on fossil fuels, and it also increases economic opportunities by creating more jobs and increasing overall economic activity. Although the rail is currently in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia, I also predict expansion to islands and cities outside of this. I also believe that the Belt and Road Initiative will build upon this project to connect the line to Malaysia/Singapore to the north, and further beyond to Thailand and subsequent mainland Asian countries. Thus, the intraregional and interregional developments will connect those living in different parts of Asia more readily, which could lead to the promotion of international trade, and the mobilization of natural resources in various nations. 

I am curious to see the effects that the Jakarta-Bandung rail will have on the inhabitants surrounding the rail – have any communities been displaced as a result of its construction? Will the population composition of either city be modified in any significant way due to their connection? Were there any major environmental consequences from clearing land to build in the area between the cities, and can the environmentally-friendly nature of the rail system justify that? Also, when considering the possibility of greater globalization, might this transportation development impact Indonesia’s relationship with other countries politically, if there is greater inter-nation interaction? According to the World Population Review, nearly 60% of Indonesia’s population resides in the island of Java, where the rail is located, so the placement makes sense. However, could this be extended to other major areas in Indonesia, or is it applicable to alleviate the burdens of taking planes/boats between the large amount of islands in the country?

 

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/indonesia-first-bullet-train-china-funding-intl-hnk/index.html (image source)

https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/indonesia-launches-southeast-asias-first-high-speed-railway/