THE JAKARTA-BANDUNG RAILWAY BOOST EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AYODHIA KALAKE,SECRETARY OF THE COORDINATING MINISTRY FOR MARITIME AND INVESTMENT AFFAIRS OF INDONESIA

By Guo Xixian

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. Over the last 10 years, bilateral relations between the two countries have maintained sound momentum of development, and strategic mutual trust has been continuously enhanced.

In July 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who was in Chengdu to attend the opening ceremony of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games and visit China. After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.

Ayodhia Kalake

With the construction of several landmark projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung Highspeed Railway and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks,” China and Indonesia have deepened their cooperation in various fields,setting an example for developing countries on sharing a common future, pursuing solidarity and cooperation, and boosting common development.

Recently, China Report ASEAN conducted an exclusive interview with Ayodhia Kalake, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs of Indonesia, on topics including the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Indonesia cooperation, and prospects for future cooperation between China and Indonesia.

China Report ASEAN: The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, a flagship project of China-Indonesia cooperation, is expected to begin operation this year. What impact will the new railway have on the daily lives and economic development of Indonesia?

Ayodhia Kalake:This project has generated a substantial multiplier effect, which has not only promoted the growth of satellite cities along the railway, but also boosted the local economy. Construction of the high-speed railway itself employed many people, and more will be hired to continue developing the project, not to mention jobs created in areas adjacent to the railway and potential new ventures as Jakarta and Bandung become more connected.

Jakarta is already very crowded with the majority of the population living in the Greater Jakarta area, so this railway will also help to ease the traffic congestion there. Given the target speed of 350 km/h, the highspeed railway will cut the 2.5-hour journey from Jakarta to Bandung by regular train, or 3-hour journey by car, to less than 40 minutes.

Usually, Greater Jakarta area residents travel to Bandung on weekends or holidays due to the close proximity and short travel time. I am sure that the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway’s opening will contribute to a new round of tourism development in West Java, especially Bandung.

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in its final testing period, June 28, 2023.

China Report ASEAN: TheJakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has been a landmark project of the BRI and China-Indonesia cooperation. What impact will the completion of the project have on China-Indonesia relations?

Kalake:Since preparations and groundbreaking on the project in 2016, both countries have collaborated closely from planning to construction. This project has not only promoted investment, but also boosted people-to-people exchange in Chinese experts have extensive experience in constructing and operating high-speed railways, which presents a great opportunity to create a new industry for the Indonesian people. In this process, the Indonesian team has also learned from the knowledge and technology transferred from the Chinese team.

In July 2022, Indonesia and China renewed an MOU on Jointly Promoting Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Maritime Fulcrum and the Belt and Road Initiative, with priority placed on policy coordination,trade connectivity, and financial and people-to-people exchange.The success of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway will also promote cooperation between the two countries in other areas.

For sure, this project will boost regional economic development in tandem with RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) cooperation. The “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project will strengthen bilateral relations, deepen cooperation on the industrial chain and the supply chain, and boost our economic and trade relations. The project is dear to both President Joko Widodo and President Xi Jinping. I hope that it will inspire much more infrastructure development and innovation.

China Report ASEAN: In recent years, China and Indonesia have actively promoted the alignment between the BRI and the Global Marine Fulcrum. What potential do you think there is for China-Indonesia cooperation on the blue economy?

Kalake:Indonesia has rich potential for a blue economy due to its geographical location.Sustainable activities in the maritime sector will enhance the health of the ocean and economic growth, and measurable fisheries will protect the marine ecosystem.Indonesia and China have traded many fishery products from fresh seafood to processed seafood.

Indonesia and China signed an MOU on maritime cooperation focusing on navigation safety,maritime infrastructure development, R&D and protection in the maritime sector, maritime fisheries, and security. Although this is an intergovernmental agreement, we are open to collaboration with private enterprises and SOEs that want to take part in cooperation in these areas.

As a major maritime country,Indonesia has been working on identifying how many marine species we have, and protecting and cultivating them to sustain marine life. We have also explored aquaculture and expanded the scope of conservation of the oceans, coral, and mangroves to preserve our marine ecosystem while meeting domestic and international demands.

China Report ASEAN: This year marks the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 10th anniversary of the BRI. What do you think are the areas for potential China-ASEAN cooperation? What are the new growth points for this cooperation?

Kalake:Over the last 20 years,the rapid development of ASEANChina relations has brought huge economic opportunities to Indonesia. With a total population of over 2 billion, ASEAN and China constitute a huge market to tap. The ACFTA (ASEAN-China Free Trade Area) provides a great collaboration opportunity on the export and import of goods and acquisition of raw materials for domestic production in China and ASEAN countries.

In the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, connectivity encompasses physical connectivity (transport, ICT, and energy), institutional connectivity(trade, investment, and services),and people-to-people connectivity(education, culture, and tourism).

ASEAN and China have agreed to grow together and strengthen connectivity. The two sides have conducted discussions on transportation and tourism,people-to-people connectivity,and digitalization while promoting cooperation on digital transformation and sustainable development.