On 5 August 2022, the Chinese city of Qingdao witnessed a demonstration ceremony of high-speed electric multiple units intended for the Indonesian HSR Jakarta – Bandung. In total, 11 high-speed electric trains and 1 diagnostic train will be sent from China to Indonesia. This event marks an important milestone in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project.

The new high-speed electric multiple-unit trains and a diagnostic train are being produced under the leadership of China Railway International Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the State Corporation China Railways (KZD), with the participation of CRRC Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. The electric trains are designed and built on the basis of the Chinese Fuxing electric train and are designed to travel at a speed of 350 km/h. They are adapted to local operating conditions and take into account the local cultural traditions and customs of Indonesia.

The new electric trains are multiple-unit rolling stock with distributed traction. They are equipped with intelligent systems for monitoring the technical condition, as well as early detection of tremors and earthquake warnings. Each train has more than 2,500 sensors that monitor all key on-board systems in a real-time mode. The trains are also equipped with a regenerative brake, which provides for their higher energy efficiency.

The trains are constructed using corrosion-resistant materials, as well as the technologies that protect components from the effects of an environment with a high content of sea salt and ultraviolet radiation. The trains are also designed for reliable starting on steep slopes with a gradient of 30‰.

Each electric train consists of 8 coaches with a total capacity of 601 seats: six second class coaches, one first class coach and one dining car. If required, the train can be operated by using the multiple-unit system (MUS), where two trains are coupled into one.

The diagnostic train is equipped with the devices for diagnosing the track, overhead catenary system, signaling systems, and is also capable of performing a comprehensive check of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR line to ensure maximum safety during its operation.

The HSR line Jakarta – Bandung with a total length of 142 kilometers connects the capital of Indonesia Jakarta and the famous tourist city of Bandung. As of August 2022, the construction of all tunnels has been completed and more than 90 % of the work has been done for laying the track formation, building the railway stations and engineer structures. The laying of the railway track has begun. The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2023. The opening of the line will significantly reduce the travel time between the two megacities from 3 hours to just 40 minutes.

The construction of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed line is one of the landmark projects under the Belt-and-Road Initiative and strengthens cooperation between Indonesia and China. The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway line will be the first 350-km/h high-speed railway in South-East Asia, further demonstrating the competitiveness of Chinese high-speed railway technologies.