The $7.27 billion railway, which launched on Oct. 17, 2023, is the first high-speed rail system in Southeast Asia and the Southern Hemisphere.
“Whoosh has completed nearly 40,000 trips with 99.9 percent on-time performance and zero accidents,” KCIC Corporate Secretary Eva Chairunisa told reporters in Jakarta.
Passenger numbers continue to climb, with a record 26,770 daily riders in June 2025. Foreign passengers made up 566,829 of total ridership as of September, reflecting Whoosh’s growing role as a tourist attraction.
Chairunisa attributed the success to ongoing service improvements and collaboration with stakeholders.
KCIC has issued 20,996 Frequent Whoosher Cards (FWC) as of October, a fivefold increase from the previous year.
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The high-speed rail system has also supported local businesses. A total of 188 kiosks now operate in stations, including 76 run by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), selling food, souvenirs and travel items.
“The Whoosh journey is a symbol of transformation in Indonesia’s modern transport sector,” Chairunisa said.
“With advanced technology and sustainable operations, Whoosh is moving steadily toward becoming a world-class rail service,” she added.
Construction of the Whoosh line began in 2016 following an agreement between an Indonesia-China consortium in 2015. Trial runs started in 2023 before full public service was launched.
The line connects Jakarta to Bandung in West Java in under an hour, significantly cutting travel time and easing congestion along the busy corridor.
KCIC said it expects continued growth in ridership and aims to enhance connectivity and passenger experience through further innovations.
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Translator: Rubby Jovan, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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