Proposed bullet train linking Jakarta to Surabaya could boost tourism, economy in south Java

JAKARTA – Soon after

the launch of the high-speed rail (HSR)

linking Indonesia’s capital to its third-largest city of Bandung on Oct 2, Indonesian officials are shifting their focus to a more ambitious project to connect Jakarta to Surabaya.

If the plan materialises, travellers will be able to shuttle between the country’s two biggest cities in about 3½ hours – a fraction of the 10½ hours it takes by regular train, and 10 hours by car.