Part 16/16:
The Jakarta high-speed railway has become a testament to the perils of rushing progress without sufficient oversight. What was meant to be a shining example of Indonesia’s modernity and economic promise has instead exposed vulnerabilities—delays, scandals, environmental damage, and mounting debt. As Indonesia considers extending the line, the key question remains: can it learn from these mistakes, or will the cycle of overambition and oversight continue?
The story of Jakarta-Bandung is a cautionary tale for emerging economies: infrastructure is crucial, but it must be rooted in transparency, sustainability, and careful planning—lest the costs outweigh the benefits, and what was once a dream becomes an expensive lesson in restraint.