Indonesia’s China-funded ‘Whoosh’ railway faces corruption probe

By Resty Woro Yuniar

Indonesia’s anti-corruption watchdog has launched a preliminary investigation into the construction of the US$7.3 billion Jakarta–Bandung High-speed Railway that analysts say could implicate senior figures in the administration of former president Joko Widodo.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed last week that it was gathering evidence related to alleged irregularities in how the China-funded project, popularly known as “Whoosh”, was awarded and managed.

“The investigation into this case began at the beginning of the year and it is still progressing,” KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo told reporters on October 27.

“The team continues to search for information needed to help solve this case,” he added, declining to specify what charges might be brought or the extent of any state losses.

Indonesian law allows for such preliminary inquiries to assess whether formal charges are warranted. The KPK had already summoned “several parties” involved in the railway’s development who were “cooperative” during questioning, Budi said.

Source : SCMP