It’s a big deal, if you’re a train nerd. But then, if you’re in government procurement, it’s a big deal. And if you’re developing a nation’s transportation infrastructure, it’s a big deal. And in terms of the rivalry between China and Japan to roll out high-speed trains for Asia…
It’a big deal. On 5 August, China’s rolling stock manufacturer, CRRC Qingdao Sifang, revealed its first completed high-speed-train set for export. Destination Indonesia.
Let that sink in. The same triumph of technology which whisks us around like lightning and makes China the envy of the world is set to be taking to the rails elsewhere.
Specifically, the CR400AF Fuxing train is among those that will run on the 142.3 kilometre route between Indonesia’s two largest cities of Jakarta and Bandung on the island of Java.
Construction on the line is expected to be complete by the year’s end, while the first China-made, high-speed trains should begin carrying passengers in the summer of 2023.
But how did we get to this point today, and how did Japan fit in?
Beginning in 2008, Japan had ambitions to export its Shinkansen high-speed trains and their associated technology to Indonesia. They were fully expected to win the bid too, until China stepped in at the last minute, with a rival, more fiscally-attractive offer.
Indonesia awarded the project to China in September of 2015. To say Japan was furious is putting it mildly.
In the geo-political scheme of things, the decision to go with China at the end of the day came down to money. For the Indonesian Government was not willing to provide any funding for the project.
As The Diplomat reported at at the time, “Japan’s bid was based on getting funding from Indonesia’s government and a low-interest loan offered by Japan; China offered to provide a loan and have Indonesian state-owned firms provide the remainder of the costs”.
Back to the nice new train itself, where that business model is reflected in its branding. On the slick exterior, the letters KCIC; Kereta Cepat Indonesia China that is the conglomerate’s joint venture with China.
Inside, while not dissimilar to the trains we all know and love here in the Middle Kingdom, Indonesians shall instead be reclining on grey and black seating, in a brown and cream panelled cabin.
With a maximum speed of 350 kilometres per hour, the fastest journey time on the route is expected to be a mere 36 minutes. That’s going to be a huge transformation for many Indonesians. Railway Gazette reports the current train takes 3 hours on a narrow-gauge line.
As a symbol, the unveiling of China’s first high-speed train for export is indeed a big deal, one that is sure to have now refocused the attention of other governments across Asia. If Indonesia can have a high-speed railway at no cost to them, why can’t others?
