Indonesia's China-backed high-speed rail opens this weekend after delays and high costs
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Indonesia's China-backed high-speed railway, the Jakarta-Bandung line, opens this weekend after years of delays and cost overruns.
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The $7.2 billion project strengthens Indonesia-China ties but is a costly legacy for President Joko Widodo with high loan interest rates.
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Widodo chose China over Japan to build the railway despite Japan offering lower costs, a decision seen as a "lesson learned".
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The railway aims to boost Indonesia's image abroad and economy at home, though profitability is doubtful.
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Technology transfer from China may allow Indonesia to advance its railway system nationwide in the future.