The high-speed train jointly constructed by China and Indonesia, running from Jakarta to Bandung, was finally put into operation on September 7th, 2023.This is the first high-speed train in Southeast Asia, also known as the flagship project of the cooperation between China and Indonesia. It connects the Belt and Road Initiative with Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum concept. The project fully adopts Chinese technology and standards.
This railway covers a distance of 142.3 kilometers starting from Halim Station in Jakarta. It passes through Bekasi City, Bekasi County, Karawang County, Puwangada County, West Bandung County, Chima Market City, Bandung County, and ends at Tegalluar Station in Bandung. Along this route, there are four stations: Halim, Karawang, Padalarang, and Dekarul. The operation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train not only reduces travel time for people, but also strongly promotes the construction of the "Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway Economic Belt" in the regions along the line. In this article, let's explore the highlights of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train.
Train Appearance
The train's appearance was designed to match the national flag of Indonesia, which consists of white and red colors. The train is primarily silver, with a red top and red lines on both sides of the carriages . The front of the train and the connection between carriages feature an abstract red polygon pattern with the texture resembling Indonesia's national treasure, the "Komodo Dragon." This design reflects the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
High Speed
With a maximum operating speed of 350km/h, the train significantly reduces the travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from 3.5 hours to just 40 minutes. It is a decentralized EMU, consisting of 8 units per EMU. The train offers VIP, first-class, and second-class seating options, accommodating a total of 601 passengers. It also possesses the capability of reconnection.
High Configuration
Indonesia, being a tropical country, experiences warm and humid weather throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25-27 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 70-90%. The country has two seasons and is located in an area prone to earthquakes within the Circum-Pacific seismic belt. These specific conditions were taken into consideration during the manufacturing process.
Firstly, to address the characteristics of rain, fog, and humidity, the train incorporatesa high-standard corrosion-resistant design and advanced protection technology. This ensures that the structure remains safe and reliable throughout its 30-year lifespan while adapting to the harsh operating environment characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and salt spray.
Secondly, Jakarta and Bandung are located on Java Island, with plains to the north, lava plateaus and mountains to the south, wide basins among the mountains, and rugged mountains and hills within the island. Bandung is a basin located in the southeast of Jakarta, while Jakarta's terrain is high in the south and low in the north, posing significant challenges for railway operation. Therefore, in order to enable the smooth and high-speed operation of the train, the "high acceleration" mode is equipped. The starting traction of the train is increased by about 45% to enhance its climbing ability. Moreover, the self-starting or mutual rescue of trains can be completed on slopes as steep as 30% under fault conditions, allowing for better handling of the complex slope terrain of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway.
And Third, to deal with earthquakes, the train adopts intelligent perception technology, and the entire train is equipped with more than 2,500 detection points. These points enable real-time monitoring, early warning, and diagnosis of all key systems of the EMU. Equipped with an earthquake warning system, the train can automatically receive earthquake warning information, guide the driver, or take measures such as slowing down and emergency stopping, thus enhancing the safety of the operation.
High Comfort
The interior of the EMU provides a spacious and comfortable setting for passengers. To accommodate the local hot and humid weather, the train's air conditioning system includesan auxiliary dehumidification function. This feature automatically adjusts the humidity inside the train based on the operating environment and maintains a temperature below 26°C while keeping the humidity below 60%. Such measures contribute to improved comfort for passengers.
The seats are designed with charging sockets, following local customs. The main colors of the chairs, gray, red, and blue,are inspired by Indonesia's Borobudur Tower, its national flag, and the ocean. Each seat is adorned with an auspicious cloud pattern influenced by Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage known as "Badik." The train also features facilities for passengers with disabilities, including accessible toilets, Braille signs, as well as sales containers, coffee machines, microwave ovens, and other amenities, ensuring a pleasant traveling experience.
Operating Hours
It is reported that during the trial operation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train from September 7th to September 30th, eight passenger trains will be operated daily between Jakarta Halim Station and Bandung Dekarur Station, following the train schedule. Local residents along the route can make reservations to experience a free ride. When the commercial operation officially commences in October, the number of passenger trains will be determined based on market demand to meet the travel needs of local residents.
Further reading:
Top Things You Should Know before Taking the Train in China Currently
