Whoosh High-Speed Rail Officially Operational: How Much Are the Tickets?

President Jokowi inaugurated the operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (KCJB) at the Halim KCJB Station, Jakarta, on Monday (October 2, 2023).

The train, named "Whoosh," is the first high-speed rail service in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

"W-H-O-O-S-H, pronounced 'wus'. This is inspired by the sound of a speeding high-speed train, and is an acronym for Waktu Hemat (Time Saving), Operasi Optimal (Optimal Operation), Sistem Hebat (Great System)," Jokowi said, as broadcast on the official website of the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat, Monday (October 2, 2023).

"With the utterance of *bismillahirrahmanirrahim*, I officially declare the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh High-Speed Rail in operation," Jokowi added.

Jokowi has not yet announced the official fare for passengers. However, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, confirmed that travel on the Whoosh will remain free until next week.

"Until mid-October, operation remains free," said Luhut.

Previously, the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, had revealed that the ticket price for the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh High-Speed Rail would range from Rp250,000 to Rp300,000 for a one-way trip.

"The President will announce (the fare)," said Budi, as reported by *Kompas.com*, Sunday (October 1, 2023).

Meanwhile, Tiket.com estimates that the Whoosh ticket price will start from Rp150,000 for the shortest route, and for longer routes, between Rp250,000 and Rp350,000.

According to information on the *Tiket.com* website, KCJB tickets are also differentiated based on three classes: VIP, first class, and second class, with the following details:

VIP Class

* The estimated price for a VIP class KCJB ticket is Rp350,000 per passenger. Amenities include WiFi, USB chargers, a journey information display, luggage storage, and a footrest.
* The VIP class KCJB consists of 18 seats in one carriage and has a 1-2 seating arrangement. The VIP class ticket interior is specially made from faux leather with a Mega Mendung batik motif combined with gray to give an elegant and exclusive feel.

First Class

* The estimated price for a first-class KCJB ticket is Rp300,000 per passenger. Amenities include WiFi, USB chargers, a journey information display, luggage storage, and a footrest.
* The first-class KCJB category consists of 28 seats and has a 2-2 seating arrangement. The first-class seats are designed in bright red with faux leather interior and covered with a Mega Mendung batik motif.

Second Class

* The estimated price for a second-class KCJB ticket starts from Rp250,000 per passenger. This category includes several supporting facilities, such as WiFi, USB chargers, a journey information display, and luggage storage.
* Second-class KCJB tickets consist of 555 seats and have a 3-2 seating arrangement. The second-class ticket interior is finished with suede with a Mega Mendung batik print, and the seats are decorated in blue and gray.

The KCJB Whoosh has an operational speed of up to 350 km/h, so the journey from Jakarta to Bandung can be completed in 36-44 minutes.

This high-speed train connects Tegalluar Station in Bandung with Halim Station in East Jakarta, with a headway (time between trains) of 20-30 minutes.

The KCJB Whoosh also has a spacious and modern design, has three passenger classes with a total capacity of 601 passengers, and a special area for people with disabilities.