Understanding The Continuation of the Jakarta - Bandung High-speed Rail Project By China and Indonesia

Abstract

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (HSR) project represents a cornerstone of Indonesia's infrastructure strategy, aimed at enhancing economic connectivity and supporting national development. Despite safety incidents and cost-overrun during construction phase, the Indonesian government chose to continue the project, formalizing this decision through Presidential Regulation No. 93 of 2021 to address safety concerns and financial challenges. Employing Graham T. Allison’s Rational Actor Model (RAM), this study analyzes the government’s decision-making process, focusing on the rationale behind continuing the HSR project. The findings reveal that this regulation serves to advance the infrastructure objectives of President Jokowi’s administration, strengthen Indonesia's global competitiveness, and safeguard the country’s international reputation. By pursuing this policy, the government aims to achieve significant economic benefits, including reduced travel times, enhanced trade, and job creation. This strategic decision reflects a rational and calculated approach to pursue infrastructure modernization, global competitiveness, and foreign investment within the framework of Indonesia’s broader development objectives.