“There is no prohibition on the investigation,” KPK Deputy Chairman Johanis Tanak said on Wednesday.
He explained that the ongoing probe aims to determine whether any act of corruption occurred. Should indications of wrongdoing be found, the KPK may notify the president.
“If none are found, the investigation will be closed. If there are indications, we can inform the president,” Tanak noted.
Earlier, former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD revealed alleged irregularities in the Whoosh project through a video uploaded to his personal YouTube channel.
He revealed allegations of corruption in the form of budget inflation, or markups, in the Whoosh project.
“Based on Indonesian calculations, the cost per kilometer of the Whoosh train is around US$52 million. In China, it’s estimated at only US$17–18 million - a threefold increase,” Mahfud said.
“Who inflated the cost? Where did the money go? It jumped from US$17 million to US$52 million,” he continued.
On October 16, 2025, the KPK urged Mahfud to file a formal report concerning the alleged corruption. Ten days later, on October 26, Mahfud stated his readiness to be summoned by the agency to provide further information.
The KPK later confirmed that the alleged Whoosh corruption case had been under investigation since early 2025.
Meanwhile, President Prabowo emphasized that, as Head of State, he would take full responsibility for the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway’s operations and financial obligations.
“Do not worry about the issue surrounding Whoosh. I have reviewed the matter and will take responsibility for it,” Prabowo said on Tuesday.
He further stated that public transportation projects like Whoosh should not be judged solely on financial profit or loss but on the broader public benefits they provide to the public.
Related news: Prabowo plans to extend Whoosh high-speed rail to Banyuwangi
Related news: RI continues developing railway infrastructure despite KCIC debt issue
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
