Whoosh Propels Jakarta and Bandung into the International Tourism Spotlight

Dynamic Test of a High-Speed Train
Dynamic Test of a High-Speed Train
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Indonesia’s pride in modern transportation, the Whoosh High-Speed Train, has become a pivotal asset in promoting Jakarta and Bandung to international tourists, especially those from Southeast Asia. This remarkable train has sparked a significant increase in tour requests.

According to the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (Astindo), this surge follows the Whoosh becoming the first high-speed train in Southeast Asia. Astindo’s Chairwoman, Pauline Suharno, highlighted the growing interest. “We know Australia is our market focus,” she said. “We have received numerous requests for tours using the Whoosh High-Speed Train.”

The demand is largely driven by students and corporate groups eager to experience the Whoosh while exploring Jakarta and Bandung. “The presence of Whoosh greatly benefits us in Jakarta, promoting the city as a tourism destination, particularly for ASEAN countries,” Pauline added.

Since its commercial launch on October 17, 2023, the Whoosh High-Speed Train has sold tickets to 4 million passengers. Eva Chairunisa, General Manager Corporate Secretary of PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), reported that in its initial phase, the train averaged around 9,000 passengers daily.

Today, the daily passenger volume for Whoosh ranges between 18,000 and 22,000. Eva noted that 44 percent of these passengers are tourists, traveling for vacations and family outings. This data comes from a survey conducted in the first half of 2024 with a thousand passengers. “This figure underscores Whoosh’s significant role in supporting and promoting the tourism sector in Indonesia,” Eva stated in an official release on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Read also: Indonesia Continues to Captivate International Tourists, Focuses on Australia

The growth in Whoosh’s user base has been substantial. From January to June 2024 alone, KCIC served 2.6 million passengers.

Eva explained that this impressive increase in passenger volume is aligned with the continuous expansion of trips. Initially, there were 14 trips per day in October 2023. This number has now risen to 48 trips per day, with headways as short as 30 minutes.

Management attributes the rise in passengers to the increase in tourist visits as well. The West Java Provincial Statistics Agency recorded a notable uptick in international tourists visiting the province, with a 94.84 percent increase in May 2024 compared to the previous month.

The Whoosh High-Speed Train is not only enhancing the connectivity between Jakarta and Bandung but also playing a vital role in showcasing the cultural and tourist attractions of these cities. By providing a quick, efficient, and comfortable travel option, it helps Indonesia maintain its position as a prime destination for Southeast Asian travelers.