The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail project represents a pivotal moment in the history of Indonesia’s infrastructure development and its broader relationship with China under the BRI. This book delves into one of the most significant aspects of this cooperation: technology transfer. Technology transfer, a central element of this project, refers to the process by which China, as a more technologically advanced nation in the realm of high-speed rail, shares its knowledge, expertise, and innovations with Indonesia (China Daily, 2024). The successful implementation of this transfer has the potential to not only modernize Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure but also elevate its technological capabilities and set a foundation for future self-reliance in large-scale infrastructure projects.
This book was developed with the purpose of examining how technology transfer is being executed within the framework of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail project. The primary objective is to explore the methods, successes, and challenges associated with the transfer of knowledge and technology from China to Indonesia. In doing so, it offers a comprehensive analysis of how this project may influence Indonesia’s future in both infrastructure development and broader technological advancement. Indonesia has long faced challenges in modernizing its infrastructure (Wijaya & Nursamsu, 2020). With a rapidly growing population and an expanding economy, the need for efficient transportation systems has become increasingly urgent. The Jakarta- Bandung High-Speed Rail project is viewed as a major solution to some of these challenges, aiming to reduce travel time, improve connectivity between two major economic hubs, and alleviate traffic congestion (Wijaya, 2024). However, the importance of the project extends far beyond the immediate transportation benefits it provides. It serves as a case study in international cooperation and the potential for technology transfer to empower developing countries to become more self-sufficient in their technological and infrastructural advancements.
One of the key drivers behind this project is the Belt and Road Initiative, a Chinese-led global development strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth through infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and Africa (Johnston, 2019). For Indonesia, the BRI has provided access to funding, technology, and expertise that would have been difficult to secure domestically (Lumban Toruan, 2021). The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail project, as one of the flagship BRI projects in Southeast Asia, is emblematic of the broader goals of the initiative.
As such, it offers valuable insights into how developing countries like Indonesia can leverage international partnerships to accelerate their development.
This book is structured to provide a detailed exploration of the key components of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail project, with a particular focus on the transfer of technology. It begins with an overview of the historical context of Indonesia-China relations, highlighting how these two nations have navigated a complex diplomatic landscape to forge a partnership based on mutual  economic interests. Understanding this background is essential to appreciating the broader implications of their collaboration on the high-speed rail project and the role of the BRI in shaping Indonesia’s infrastructure development.
Following this, the book examines the technical aspects of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail project itself, outlining the specific technologies being transferred from China to Indonesia. High-speed rail technology is sophisticated and encompasses a wide array of systems, from rolling stock to signaling systems and tracklaying
techniques. This section of the book seeks to break down these technologies and explore how they are being localized for use in Indonesia. It also investigates how Indonesian engineers and technicians are being trained to operate and maintain these systems, ensuring that the knowledge transfer is not merely superficial but
results in genuine capacity building.