On October 18, in Jakarta, an interesting phenomenon is emerging with the rise of the phrase “Whoosh” and the thriving success of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (HSR), which marks its first anniversary of operation. I had the chance to speak with Laan Raza, an Indonesian high-speed train driver, who shared insights into the excitement surrounding this new mode of transportation.
“‘Whoosh’ has become a buzzword here in Indonesia,” Laan said, explaining that the term was coined by Indonesian President Joko Widodo as a reference to the sound of the train speeding by. Interestingly, it’s also an acronym in Indonesian representing time-saving, efficiency, and reliability.
As of October 17, the Jakarta-Bandung HSR has seen a remarkable growth in ridership, with over 5.7 million passengers transported in its first year of operation. This surge has propelled “Whoosh” into the spotlight of Indonesian and global social media.
Laan, who has taken on the role of something of a local celebrity since joining the high-speed train service, noted, “As Indonesia’s first high-speed railway, everyone knows ‘Whoosh.’” On weekends and holidays, the demand for tickets often exceeds availability, highlighting the train’s popularity.
Ambassador Wang Lutong from the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia pointed out that riding the high-speed train has become a trendy activity among the Indonesian public. The train connects Jakarta and Bandung, significantly reducing travel time. Previously, the old railway was over a century old with speeds of just over 50 kilometers per hour, making bus journeys take anywhere from four to six hours due to traffic congestion.
Local resident Endro Mario, who works at a radio station in the outskirts of Jakarta, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Traveling by the Jakarta-Bandung HSR only takes about 40 minutes. It’s modern, time-saving, and makes commuting much more comfortable.”
Rahmanda, who runs a transportation consulting firm in Jakarta, shared that he utilizes the HSR almost weekly to meet clients in Bandung, appreciating its punctuality and avoiding the stress of traffic jams.
The launch of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR has also been a boon for local businesses. For instance, the commercial area at Halim Station, which initially featured primarily fast food and beverage outlets, has seen savvy entrepreneurs capitalize on travelers’ interests by introducing sales of traditional Indonesian batik clothing, leading to a bustling environment.
Padalarang Station, the only station on the HSR line that connects with Indonesia’s existing railway system, has turned into a lively area, with businesses multiplying around it since the train’s launch. Statistics show that visitor numbers in West Java Province surged by nearly 95% compared to previous years, with a 10-15% increase in tourists visiting Bandung, thereby boosting local hospitality, dining, and cultural sectors.
Augustin, who operates a snack stall on a hill in Cimaung Market, reflected on the transformation brought by the high-speed train. “Before the HSR opened, hardly anyone knew about our little shop. Now, I can sell over 40 bowls of food and more than 60 drinks daily,” she said. Young people particularly frequent her stall, enjoying coffee and chatting while capturing pictures of the trains speeding past from the hill below.
West Java’s deputy governor, Bey Triadi, highlighted the broader economic impact of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR, stating that it not only brings in tourists but also generates economic activity, providing a significant lift to the region’s development.
