Indonesia eyes China for massive 2,772km railway project – with caution
As Jakarta explores foreign backing for the Trans-Kalimantan railway, analysts say costly past ventures could shape any coming negotiations
Indonesia is considering Chinese investment to help build a massive 2,772km (1,722 mile) railway network through the vast, resource-rich region of Kalimantan, following the completion of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed line between Jakarta and Bandung, state media and analysts said.
However, analysts noted that any future commercial agreements were likely to be negotiated cautiously, given the financial strains that dogged the high-speed line and the challenges that stalled a proposed underground metro project in the congested tourist province of Bali.
The Indonesian government was “exploring” potential foreign investment to build the Trans-Kalimantan railway network, according to statements from Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi quoted by Indonesia’s official Antara news agency. The minister said China and Russia had expressed interest in the project.