As Jokowi rides the test run of Indonesia's first bullet train, it reaches 350 kph.

Prior to the Jakarta-Bandung route's formal opening in early October, Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo took a ride on the nation's new high-speed train, which is supported by China.

The president gave the train a favorable rating once it reached 350 kilometers per hour.

"I had never taken the train until today. Afterward, Widodo added, "It was pleasant even when it reached a top speed of 350 kph. The ride was smooth when sitting and even strolling in the car.

The line, a high-profile government project, has experienced several delays and cost overruns. But as he nears the end of his second and last term in power, Widodo will have the opportunity to show off the results of his labor when the launch finally happens. Voting is expected to take place in Indonesia in February.

The 140-kilometer highway connects Jakarta with Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java and a popular tourist destination. It takes 28 minutes to travel the full line. Between the soft launch in October and the beginning of January, the government intends to progressively increase the frequency of service.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for marine affairs and investment, Erick Thohir, the minister of state-owned enterprises, as well as a number of influencers and celebrities, joined Widodo on board for the trial run.

Widodo stated that his administration expects the "fast train will increase people's interest in switching from using private cars to public transportation" as Jakarta faces severe air pollution—the capital was recently listed as the most polluted city in the world. He pointed out "this is important in order to reduce congestion and air pollution in Jakarta, Bandung and surrounding areas."

Jakarta had initially intended to implement the shinkansen bullet train system from Japan, but in 2015 Widodo's administration abruptly changed its mind and suggested Beijing's concept. The justification offered at the time was that it wouldn't put any strain on public budget.

China supported the project, and one of the main components of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road cross-border infrastructure development was effectively built by Chinese state-owned firms. However, the final bill was far more than the initial $5.5 billion estimate, and Indonesia was forced to use funds from its general fund.

The range of Indonesian ministry estimates is between $7.5 billion and $7.2 billion.

Additionally, the rollout is taking significantly longer than anticipated. The Jakarta-Bandung line was supposed to operate by 2018 after construction began in 2016. The coronavirus epidemic, in addition to challenges in securing property due to inadequate information and compensation to landowners, all contributed to the delays.

The project has also sparked safety worries, particularly in light of the fact that two Chinese employees died in December when a maintena