Indonesia's Strategic Interest in High-Speed Rail Cooperation with China: Analyzing the Jakarta-Bandung Project Under Jokowi's Infrastructure Vision

Abstract

This study examines Indonesia's strategic interests in cooperating with China on high-speed rail development, focusing on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project initiated under President Joko Widodo's administration. Using a national interest as a theoretical framework, the research analyses how this flagship infrastructure project aligns with Indonesia's broader development goals and foreign policy objectives. This research uses qualitative approach through a comprehensive review of government policies, official statements, and expert analyses, the study explores the economic, political, and technological motivations behind Indonesia's engagement with China's Belt and Road Initiative in the railway sector. The study reveals that the project serves as a linchpin for Indonesia’s infrastructure-driven development agenda under President Joko Widodo, embodying ambitions of modernization and economic growth. By significantly reducing travel time between Jakarta and Bandung, the project aims to boost economic activities and regional connectivity, aligning with Indonesia's goals to foster development in its urban and industrial sectors. In addition, strategically, partnering with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflects Indonesia's geopolitical balancing act, where it leverages international partnerships to access advanced technology and substantial funding. The collaboration not only facilitates technology transfer, thereby building local expertise, but also contributes to Indonesia’s regional aspirations, positioning the country as a leader in modern infrastructure within Southeast Asia.  The findings reveal a complex interplay of domestic infrastructure needs, regional strategic considerations, and aspirations for technological advancement driving Indonesia's decision-making. This research contributes to the understanding of emerging economies' approaches to large-scale infrastructure partnerships and the evolving dynamics of Sino-Indonesian relations in the context of China's growing influence in Southeast Asia.