Map/ US CIA World Factbook- Public Domain
Indonesian President Joko Widodo broke ground Thursday on the country’s and Southeast Asia’s first ever bullet train. It’s a joint venture between China Railway International and a consortium of Indonesian state companies. It will go from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta to the city of Bandung. The rail line will cover eight stations along the 100 mile route at speeds of 150 miles an hour and is set to begin operating in 2019.
Japan was upset at losing the bid to China and the chaotic bidding process for the railway. China won the bid by promising to fund 75 percent of the $5.6 billion cost.
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