Dopo l’aumento dei prezzi da parte del Giappone, l’Indonesia ha speso 185 milioni di dollari per …

Dopo l’aumento dei prezzi da parte del Giappone, l’Indonesia ha speso 185 milioni di dollari per …

In late 2023, Indonesia made a surprising move that caught a lot of people offguard. The country had already agreed to spend $185 million on new electric trains from a Japanese company. A deal that really looked final and ready to go. But then, almost without warning, Indonesia canled the order and signed a brand new contract with a Chinese train manufacturer, CRRC Siphong. The announcement triggered immediate backlash, especially from Japanese media. Some outlets went so far as to claim that Indonesia had been pressured by China, suggesting that the decision was less about technology and more about politics. After all, China had just completed the Jakarta Bandong highspeed rail project and had lent Indonesia billions to fund it. Was this new train deal simply payback? But, you know, that’s just the surface. What really happened behind the scenes? Was China musling out Japan? or did Indonesia make a practical calculated choice based on cost, reliability, and long-term value? This isn’t just a train deal. It’s a window into the future of infrastructure politics in Southeast Asia, where global powers are racing to win influence, one contract at a time. Let’s dive deeper and uncover what led to this dramatic shift. To understand why Indonesia made this switch, we first have to look at what’s happening on the ground, especially in Java, the country’s most crowded and economically important island. Java is home to over 150 million people. Nearly 60% of Indonesia’s population crammed into an area smaller than the state of New York. Most of them live in and around Jakarta, the capital. Imagine packing half the entire US population into one state and expecting the buses and trains to run smoothly. That’s the scale of the challenge. Indonesia’s existing commuter train system, especially in the Jakarta metropolitan region, is struggling to keep up. These trains, many of them decades old, are breaking down, overcrowded, and in desperate need of replacement. In fact, Indonesia’s state railway operator PTK Kai recently reported that only two out of 19 aging trains had been successfully modernized. The rest are simply falling apart. Meanwhile, ridership is soaring. Daily commuter traffic is nearing 1 million passengers and it’s expected to keep growing by 6% every year until at least 2027. Without a serious upgrade, this will lead to longer delays, more breakdowns, and growing frustration for millions of workers and students who depend on these trains every day. So, when Indonesia went shopping for new electric multiple units, trains built specifically for fast, efficient urban commuting, it wasn’t optional, it was urgent. The question wasn’t if they needed new trains. It was who could deliver them fastest, cheapest, and most reliably. And that’s where China came in. Enter CRC Siph, one of China’s largest and most advanced train manufacturers. When Indonesia needed a fast, large-scale solution to its rail crisis, CRC stepped in with a deal that checked nearly every box. Here’s what they offered. 11 brand new electric multiple units, each made up of 12 carriages, with enough room for over 3,300 passengers per train. These trains are no slow crawlers either. They’re designed to hit speeds of up to 120 kmh, more than double the current average in Indonesia. That means shorter commutes, fewer delays, and a massive improvement in daily life for millions of people. The trains also come packed with modern features like LED route maps, digital passenger info screens, and a centralized maintenance console to help crews inspect and repair issues faster. Built with stainless steel bodies, they’re tough enough to handle Indonesia’s hot, humid, and sometimes unpredictable tropical climate. Even the track width, a unique 1,67 mm gauge, has been fully accounted for. But CRRC didn’t just win on specs. Timing played a big role, too. They promised to deliver the first three trains by January 2025 and the rest before the year ends. In a system bursting at the seams, speed matters, and behind the scenes, China sweetened the deal even more, offering ongoing technical support and deeper cooperation on Indonesia’s rail and energy sectors. This wasn’t just a sale. It was a strategic partnership. Indonesia wasn’t just buying trains. It was buying a complete future ready transit solution. Oh, and China was ready to deliver. So, if Japan had the original deal, what went wrong? At first, Japanese companies were in the lead. Indonesia and Japan had nearly finalized the agreement, and things were moving smoothly. But then, in October 2023, Japan made a surprising move. They increased the price of each train by nearly $230,000. For a country like Indonesia, managing a tight budget while trying to modernize public transport for millions, this wasn’t just a small bump. It was a red flag. Suddenly, the government had to step back and re-evaluate. Is this the best deal we can get? That opened the door for China to step in with a cheaper, more competitive offer. And crucially, without the last minute surprises. But it wasn’t just about cost. Indonesia had also been watching how Japan handled other infrastructure projects across Asia, and the results weren’t encouraging. In Vietnam, Japan’s promised railway project has barely gotten off the ground, stuck in planning and paperwork. In India, the much hyped bullet train project, also led by Japan, is still crawling along, years behind schedule, and far from completion. For Indonesia, these weren’t just distant case studies. They were warning signs. Japan had the reputation, but recent track records raise doubts about follow through. When you’re trying to move a million people a day, and that number is rising fast, you can’t afford delays, cost overruns, or second guessing. Indonesia needed a partner who could deliver on time, on budget, and with real momentum. Japan’s latestage price hike and sluggish regional performance may have tipped the scales, not political pressure. Now, you might be wondering, wait, if not Japan, then why not South Korea? After all, Korean train makers like Hyundai RHDM have a solid reputation, too. But once again, the details made a big difference. Indonesia had very specific needs. One of the key requirements was durability. Trains that could handle extreme heat, humidity, rainfall, and wear from millions of daily passengers. Here’s where South Korea fell short. Most of their trains are made with aluminum bodies, which are lighter but less durable in harsh environments. Indonesia, on the other hand, wanted stainless steel, a tougher material that’s better suited for the country’s tropical climate and intense commuter loads. Stainless steel trains last longer, resist corrosion, and require less maintenance, a huge plus for a system already stretched to its limits. But that wasn’t the only issue. China offered more than just the right material. They were willing to customize the trains for Indonesia’s unique needs. That included air conditioning systems adapted for Jakarta’s sweltering heat. Seat layouts designed for local commuting patterns and even attention to track compatibility with Indonesia’s 1,67 mm gauge. This kind of flexibility showed that China wasn’t just handing over a generic product. They were building a solution tailored to Indonesia. So, while South Korea had the technology, it lacked the match in materials and customization. And that left China standing alone as the only partner ready to deliver exactly what Indonesia needed. Fast, affordable, and built to last. This deal between Indonesia and China isn’t just about commuter trains. It’s part of a much bigger story. A story about how China is reshaping global infrastructure, one rail line at a time. For the past decade, China has been building its influence through a massive global plan called the Belt and Road Initiative. Think of it like a modern silk road connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa with Chinese-built roads, ports, bridges, and most importantly, railways. Indonesia is a key part of this vision. Back home, China has built the largest high-spe speed rail network in the world, over 158,000 kilometers as of 2023. That’s longer than the distance from Earth to halfway to the moon. Their trains crisscross the country at lightning speeds, often exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. But now, China is exporting that model to the world. It started with the Jakarta Bandong highspeed rail, Southeast Asia’s first bullet train built by China and launched in 2023. It became a showcase project, proving that Chinese rail tech could deliver results fast, even outside their borders. And now, with the new CRRC commuter train deal, China is moving even deeper into Indonesia’s transport system. not just with high-spe speed luxury rail, but with everyday infrastructure that millions rely on. This is what makes the deal so significant. It’s no longer just about who builds the fastest train. It’s about who becomes the go-to partner for nations trying to modernize. And in this case, China is winning. From Africa to the Middle East to Southeast Asia, Chinese rail projects are spreading fast. Indonesia’s shift from Japan to China is more than a one-time contract. It’s a symbol of shifting alliances driven by performance, price, and strategic ambition. So, what does Indonesia actually get out of this deal beyond trains on tracks? A lot, actually. First, there’s the immediate upgrade in public transportation. The new Chinese-built trains are expected to carry up to 1.8 million passengers per day once they’re all in service. That’s nearly double the current capacity. A huge relief for people in Jakarta and nearby cities like Bogore, Deepo, Tangangerang, and Bicasi where commuters often deal with overcrowded, unreliable service. Next, there’s the time factor. Right now, the average commuter train runs at about 50 km hour. The new ones 120 km hour. That means faster commutes, shorter waiting times, and more efficient schedules. A gamecher for working families and students who rely on the rail network every day. Economically, the ripple effect could be even bigger. Some Indonesian economists believe this upgrade could lead to a 5% boost in the national economy thanks to better connectivity, improved worker productivity, and increased access to jobs and education. But perhaps the most telling part of this story is what it signals to the world. Indonesia didn’t pick China because it was pressured. It picked China because the offer made sense. It was cheaper, faster, more customizable, and backed by a proven track record. This wasn’t a political favor. It was a business decision. And in a world where developing nations are constantly balancing growth, cost, and long-term reliability, Indonesia’s move might just inspire others to take a second look at where their infrastructure comes from and who can truly deliver it. Indonesia’s decision to ditch Japan and go with China may have stirred controversy, but when you peel back the layers, it reveals a country making a bold, practical choice in the face of growing pressure. This wasn’t just about trains. It was about solving a real crisis, delivering fast results, and choosing a partner who could meet Indonesia’s needs today, not just promise something better tomorrow. Japan had the experience, but stumbled with cost and delivery. South Korea had the tech, but missed the mark on materials and adaptation. China, meanwhile, offered a full package, customized, durable, on time, and affordable, and had just proven itself with the Jakarta Bandong highspeed rail. So, here’s the big question. Was this the smart, pragmatic move for Indonesia’s future? Or does it mark a deeper geopolitical shift? One where countries in Southeast Asia are leaning more heavily toward China, not just for trade, but for long-term development partnerships? We’d love to hear what you think. Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you found this breakdown of global infrastructure politics and Southeast Asian development insightful, make sure to subscribe, hit the notification bell, and stay tuned. We’ve got more powerful stories coming that reveal how the world is changing, one decision at a time.

Indonesia has canceled a $185 million electric train deal with Japan, turning instead to Chinese manufacturer CRRC Sifang in a game-changing move for Southeast Asian infrastructure. This decision stirred controversy in Japanese media, who allege political pressure from China, highlighting the fierce global competition for influence through major contracts. With Java’s population surpassing 150 million and its aging commuter system under strain, Indonesia urgently needed modern, fast, and durable trains. CRRC Sifang’s proposal—eleven trains, each carrying over 3,300 passengers at 120 km/h—promises to nearly double daily capacity, slash commute times, and boost the economy. Discover how this pivotal contract reflects shifting alliances, China’s Belt and Road ambitions, and Indonesia’s pragmatic strategy.

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00:00:00 Indonesia Ditches Japan for China
00:01:14 Why Indonesia’s Train System Is Under Pressure
00:02:51 Speed, Scale, and Support
00:04:29 Price Hike and Past Failures
00:06:07 South Korea Wasn’t the Answer Either
00:07:38 Belt and Road + High-Speed Rail Diplomacy
00:09:26 What Indonesia Gains — and What It Signals
00:11:02 Was This the Right Move?