Part 12/16:
The Indonesian public’s response to the high-speed railway has been a mixture of awe and skepticism. Many are impressed by the speed and modern design but disillusioned by the stations’ remote locations, high ticket prices, and the ongoing scandals. Social media nicknames like “tofu drag infrastructure” and “world’s most expensive train” illustrate the discontent, emphasizing the gap between promises and reality.
Politicians and officials have responded with defensive narratives, insisting the system is operational, safe, and that ongoing maintenance fixes will resolve initial issues. There is a hope that extending the line further will generate the revenue needed to stabilize finances, but doubts remain.