The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (KCJB), known as Whoosh, has successfully captured international attention. As the first high-speed train in Southeast Asia, Whoosh is not just a mode of transportation but has also become a significant tourist attraction.
This phenomenon is evident in the increasing number of international passengers, particularly from neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Whoosh’s presence is expected to positively contribute to Indonesia’s tourism marketing on a global scale.
Gaining International Attention in Less Than a Year
Since its launch in October 2023, Whoosh has become the preferred choice for more than 200,000 international passengers. This figure reflects the extraordinary appeal this high-speed train offers to international travelers.
In just about 10 months of operation, Whoosh has captured global attention, proving that traveling with Whoosh is not just about transportation but an experience not to be missed.
Eva Chairunisa, General Manager of Corporate Secretary at KCIC, revealed that based on available data, foreign passengers using Whoosh hail from 154 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. This achievement is a source of pride for Indonesia, which now boasts world-class transportation infrastructure. It also confirms that Whoosh has been recognized as a symbol of transportation modernization by the international community.
Countries with the Most Passengers on Whoosh
Recent data shows that Malaysia is the largest source of foreign passengers, contributing over 40% of the total. Approximately 85,000 Malaysian citizens have experienced the fast and modern travel offered by Whoosh, followed by passengers from China, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
China ranks second with around 45,000 passengers, followed by Singapore in third place with about 30,000 passengers. Japan ranks fourth with about 12,000 passengers, while Australia rounds out the top five with about 11,000 passengers.
Based on continent data, Asia contributes the most passengers on Whoosh, with around 148,000 passengers (92%), while Europe accounts for about 24,000 passengers (15%). North America follows with 16,000 passengers (10%), Oceania with around 11,000 passengers (7%), Africa with 1,000 passengers (0.6%), and South America with 900 passengers (0.5%).
Economic Driver and Tourism Promoter
The presence of the Whoosh High-Speed Train offers more than just mobility for the Indonesian people. With each journey, Whoosh also brings positive impacts on the tourism and economic sectors.
Foreign tourists choosing Whoosh as their mode of transportation to explore various destinations in Indonesia have increased visits to areas along the high-speed train route. The impact? Accelerated local economic development and a strengthened image of Indonesia as a modern, well-connected tourist destination.
But Whoosh doesn’t stop there. Every foreign passenger who rides Whoosh becomes a small ambassador, bringing stories about Indonesia back to their home countries, introducing the world-class transportation Indonesia has to offer to the world.
