What Happens to Whoosh Debt Transfer After Purbaya's Replacement?

6 hours ago 23

September 14, 2026 | 07:20 pm

Penumpang kereta cepat Whoosh tiba di Stasiun Halim, Jakarta, 26 Maret 2026. Tempo/Martin Yogi Pardamean

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The planned transfer of responsibility for the debt and management of Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail service, Whoosh, to the Finance Ministry will continue despite the replacement of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa with Suahasil Nazara, Danantara Indonesia CEO Rosan Roeslani said.

Rosan, who also serves as Investment and Downstreaming Minister, said the change in finance minister would not disrupt the ongoing process involving PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the operator of Whoosh.

“I don't think the change will be a problem. I spoke with Mr. Suahasil earlier, and we will immediately sit down together to discuss all ongoing programs and outstanding matters,” Rosan said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday, September 14.

The statement came as the government had been preparing to transfer responsibility for Whoosh to the Finance Ministry, including arrangements related to the high-speed rail project's outstanding obligations.

What Happens to Whoosh Debt After Purbaya’s Replacement?

Rosan said he had already communicated with Suahasil about the programs and outstanding matters that need to be followed up following the ministerial change.

He said the two officials were scheduled to meet on Thursday or Friday this week to discuss matters involving Danantara and the Investment and Downstreaming Ministry.

“He is also moving quickly, so we will meet with him directly,” Rosan said.

The Finance Ministry's involvement comes as the government works on a mechanism for handling the financial obligations associated with the Whoosh project, which was developed and operated by KCIC.

The planned handover had previously been scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Rosan said the teams were continuing to work toward completing the process.

“The team is continuing to work directly. Hopefully, everything can be completed this week,” he said.

However, Rosan did not confirm whether the September 15 handover would proceed as scheduled or be postponed.

Whoosh Handover Still Being Discussed

The ministerial change comes as the government continues to work out the details of the transfer. Rosan did not provide further details on the mechanism for transferring or restructuring the project's outstanding debt.

He said the immediate priority was to coordinate with Suahasil and ensure that unfinished matters could be addressed.

The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line, branded Whoosh, is operated by KCIC, a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese companies. The project has faced scrutiny over its financing and debt obligations since operations began.

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