Living in Karawang, 69 km east of Jakarta, Muhammad Kadapi begins his day before dawn. The father of two rises early to embark on a grueling three-hour commute to his job in Indonesia’s bustling capital. His journey involves navigating a complex web of transportation modes—starting with a motorbike ride, followed by a crowded train, and ending with a bus ride through Jakarta’s notorious traffic.
“I have to leave home before sunrise and return long after sunset,” Kadapi shares. “It’s exhausting, but it’s what I need to do to support my family.”
For many residents like Kadapi, commuting long distances is a daily reality due to affordable housing being located far from employment hubs. However, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of Indonesia’s new high-speed railway connecting Jakarta and Bandung, which passes through Karawang.
Set to significantly reduce travel times, the high-speed rail promises to cut Kadapi’s three-hour commute down to just 40 minutes. “This will change everything,” he says with a smile. “I’ll have more time with my family, and less time on the road.”
The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway is part of Indonesia’s broader initiative to improve infrastructure and boost economic development in the region. By enhancing connectivity between cities, the government aims to stimulate growth and provide citizens with better access to opportunities.
Business professionals and investors are closely watching the development, anticipating increased economic activity along the rail corridor. Academics and researchers highlight the project’s potential to alleviate urban congestion and promote sustainable commuting practices.
For travelers and cultural explorers, the high-speed rail offers a new avenue to explore Indonesia’s rich landscapes more efficiently.
Kadapi reflects on the future: “I look forward to the day I can have breakfast with my children before work and be home in time to tuck them into bed. It’s not just about a faster train; it’s about a better life.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
