Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated Southeast Asia's inaugural high-speed railway project on Monday, marking a significant milestone for China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. The railway is set to commence commercial operations, promising to dramatically reduce travel time between two major cities.

The USD 7.3 billion project, largely financed by China, was overseen by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd. Stretching over 142 kilometers (88 miles), the railway connects Jakarta and Bandung, West Java's densely populated capital, slashing travel time from three hours to just 40 minutes. Furthermore, its utilization of electrical energy is expected to contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.