Latest news with #Indonesian-Chinese
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Indonesia's first high-speed railway is now transforming inbound travel and driving economic growth
JAKARTA (Xinhua): Since the launch of commercial operations in October 2023, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, locally known as Whoosh, has ushered in a new era of modern transportation for Indonesia. As South-East Asia's first high-speed rail system, Whoosh connects Jakarta, Indonesia's largest city, with Bandung in West Java, drastically reducing travel time from over three hours to just 46 minutes. This leap in mobility has delivered more than just faster commutes. It has redefined the travel experience for millions of Indonesians and brought new momentum to economic activity along the railway corridor. ECONOMIC BENEFITS According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the Indonesian-Chinese railway joint venture has safely carried over 10.6 million passengers on 31,614 trips as of July 25, covering more than 4.9 million kilometers since its commercial operations began. With up to 62 daily train services and a peak daily ridership of 26,800, public enthusiasm continues to rise. For Sophia, a 37-year-old mother of two who commutes between Jakarta and Bandung every weekend, the benefits are deeply personal. "Whoosh has become a proper mode of transportation. Time is valuable; we shouldn't have to spend so much of it on the road," she said. Beyond convenience, Whoosh has also triggered notable economic benefits. Business owners like 45-year-old Akhyar, who runs a cake shop near Bandung's train station, have witnessed a sharp rise in customers, many of whom are tourists brought in by the high-speed service. Similarly, the Indonesian Travel Agent Association reported growing demand for group tours using Whoosh, especially among students and corporate travelers. "It helps promote Jakarta as a tourist destination, especially for ASEAN visitors," said the association's Chairwoman, Pauline Suharno, using the acronym for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "Among ASEAN countries, only Indonesia has a high-speed train." According to Segara Research Institute Executive Director Piter Abdullah, Whoosh is not only a game changer for mobility, but a catalyst for new economic activity. "Mobility is a driver of the economy. The growing number of passengers shows that people are increasingly recognizing the value of time efficiency and travel comfort. High-speed rail can trigger the emergence of new economic centers," he said. This project represents a crucial first step in developing rail-based transportation across Java Island, unlocking new zones of productivity and investment, he added. ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY The areas surrounding Whoosh's stations, such as Tegalluar, Padalarang, and Karawang, are already seeing the rise of new residential communities, commercial centers, and upgraded infrastructure. Halim Station, near Jakarta's international airport, is evolving into a critical intermodal hub, supporting seamless air-rail connectivity. "Whoosh has significantly enhanced regional connectivity and land value," said KCIC's Corporate Communications Manager Emir Monti. "It's also generated thousands of jobs and supported the growth of a full high-speed rail industry chain in Indonesia." Emir believed that Whoosh is not just a transport upgrade, but a strategic leap in Indonesia's development. "We didn't expect such a high level of enthusiasm at the beginning. But Whoosh has truly improved connectivity between Jakarta and Bandung and brought real convenience to the public," he said. He also emphasized the project's role as a model for international collaboration and local capacity building. "This isn't just about importing equipment; it's about building an integrated system. Through our joint venture with Chinese partners, we've transferred technology, trained local talent, and developed Indonesian professionals in operations, maintenance, and management," he said. Today, all train drivers and mechanics are Indonesians, a testament to the project's commitment to localization and sustainability. "From technology to management, our local teams are growing through hands-on experience," said Emir. "Whoosh didn't just bring infrastructure. It built a foundation for future Indonesian expertise." GROWING EXPECTATION According to Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi, president director of KCIC, Whoosh is the first full-scale application of Chinese high-speed rail technology abroad, making Indonesia the first country outside China to operate trains at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour. "Chinese high-speed rail technology is truly advanced. They're already developing trains that can reach 450 kilometers per hour. So I think it's natural that China is the technological benchmark for Indonesia's high-speed rail development," he said. He also noted that Indonesia's success with Whoosh has drawn attention from other Southeast Asian nations eager to replicate its achievement. "Indonesia is now seen as a model for high-speed rail development in ASEAN," he said. As demand continues to climb and public satisfaction remains high, expectations are rising. German expatriate Ali Kurtze, a long-time Jakarta resident and self-proclaimed loyal Whoosh rider, expressed hope for further expansion. "Fast, punctual, comfortable, I love this route. I hope the high-speed rail will one day extend to Surabaya or even Sumatra," said Kurtze. "That would completely transform Indonesia's transportation landscape." -- Xinhua
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New foundation of Indonesian gold tycoon in Singapore gives underserved causes a boost
SINGAPORE: Indonesian gold mining magnate Jimmy Budiarto, 48, and his wife Yohana Limarno are no strangers to philanthropy. Limarno, 47, founded WonderFood and WonderSchool, which are non-profit organisations that offer food and education to underserved communities in Indonesia. After relocating to Singapore in 2023 with hopes of settling down here, the Budiartos set up the Rao Family Foundation a year later to support charitable causes. 'Rao' is Budiarto's Chinese surname, reflecting his Indonesian-Chinese heritage, said James Zou, a director at the foundation. Registered as a charity in January 2025, the Rao Family Foundation is among a growing number of philanthropic foundations set up by the super-wealthy from all over the world in Singapore in the past three years. These include the Dalio Foundation by American hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio and his family, the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Indonesian coal tycoon Low Tuck Kwong's foundation bearing his name. The Budiartos have three children, aged between 16 and 20, and the younger two are studying in Singapore. Zou said: 'They love Singapore. It has a strong Chinese culture and a good balance of East and West.' 'Budiarto loves nature and to walk in the parks, and there are plenty of parks in Singapore for him to walk.' He described Budiarto, the chairman of J Resources, as a very generous and warm person. J Resources, which currently operates five gold mines, had a revenue of US$236 million as at the end of 2024. Budiarto is the majority shareholder of the company, which is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Zou said the Budiartos have a family office in Singapore as well, and they hope the Rao Family Foundation can continue their charitable giving for generations to come. One area the foundation is supporting is autism. This is because some senior staff at J Resources have children with autism and Budiarto has seen their challenges, Zou said. The tragedy involving a father who killed his twin autistic sons in 2022 also saddened Budiarto, and he had asked Zou if they could do something to help ease the burden of parents with autistic children. Zou said there are fewer resources and services for individuals with disabilities after they turn 18 years of age, and the foundation sees its role as plugging critical gaps and being a forerunner in advancing under-represented causes. He added: 'We want to bring light to the dark, in areas where there are fewer donations.' To this end, the foundation partnered St Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) to launch the Centre of Advocacy and Public Education in July 2024. SAAC's chief executive Bernard Chew said the aim of the centre is to 'foster understanding and shift perceptions so that people with autism are accepted, embraced and given opportunities like anyone else'. He added: 'This work matters because many people with autism and their families continue to face misunderstanding, exclusion, and limited access to the support and opportunities they need for a better quality of life.' For example, the Centre of Advocacy and Public Education is working with various organisations to build a more inclusive environment for people with autism, Zou said. Chew said that it is uncommon for donors here to fund advocacy efforts, as they typically prefer to fund programmes and services for beneficiaries. The foundation is also funding CaringSG's Carewell programme, where caregivers of people with autism are supported by a trained professional in their caregiving roles in various ways. CaringSG is a charity that supports caregivers of people with disabilities. While MZou declined to reveal the extent of Budiarto's wealth, he said that Budiarto's father is Johan Lensa, the former owner of Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama, a firm that was once among Indonesia's largest coal mining contractors. Zou said: 'We want to inspire other family offices to contribute to society. If every family is to adopt just one cause – guided not by obligation but by compassion – we believe the collective impact would be extraordinary.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Gold mining baron Jimmy Budiarto starts foundation in S'pore
Indonesian gold mining magnate Jimmy Budiarto set up the Rao Family Foundation with his wife to support charitable causes. PHOTO: RAO FAMILY FOUNDATION Indonesian gold tycoon's new foundation in Singapore gives underserved causes a boost SINGAPORE - Indonesian gold mining magnate Jimmy Budiarto, 48, and his wife Yohana Limarno are no strangers to philanthropy. Ms Limarno, 47, founded WonderFood and WonderSchool, which are non-profit organisations that offer food and education to underserved communities in Indonesia. After relocating to Singapore in 2023 with hopes of settling down here, the Budiartos set up the Rao Family Foundation a year later to support charitable causes. 'Rao' is Mr Budiarto's Chinese surname, reflecting his Indonesian-Chinese heritage, said Mr James Zou, a director at the foundation. Registered as a charity in January 2025, the Rao Family Foundation is among a growing number of philanthropic foundations set up by the super-wealthy from all over the world in Singapore in the past three years. These include the Dalio Foundation by American hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio and his family, the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Indonesian coal tycoon Low Tuck Kwong's foundation bearing his name. The Budiartos have three children, aged between 16 and 20, and the younger two are studying in Singapore. Mr Zou said: 'They love Singapore. It has a strong Chinese culture and a good balance of East and West.' 'Mr Budiarto loves nature and to walk in the parks, and there are plenty of parks in Singapore for him to walk.' He described Mr Budiarto, the chairman of J Resources, as a very generous and warm person. J Resources, which currently operates five gold mines, had a revenue of US$236 million (S$303 million) as at the end of 2024. Mr Budiarto is the majority shareholder of the company, which is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Mr Zou said the Budiartos have a family office in Singapore as well , and they hope the Rao Family Foundation can continue their charitable giving for generations to come . One area the foundation is supporting is autism. This is because some senior staff at J Resources have children with autism and Mr Budiarto has seen their challenges, Mr Zou said. The tragedy involving a father who killed his twin autistic sons in 2022 also saddened Mr Budiarto, and he had asked Mr Zou if they could do something to help ease the burden of parents with autistic children. Mr Zou said there are fewer resources and services for individuals with disabilities after they turn 18 years of age, and the foundation sees its role as plugging critical gaps and being a forerunner in advancing under-represented causes. He added: 'We want to bring light to the dark, in areas where there are fewer donations.' To this end, the foundation partnered St Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) to launch the Centre of Advocacy and Public Education in July 2024. SAAC's chief executive Bernard Chew said the aim of the centre is to 'foster understanding and shift perceptions so that people with autism are accepted, embraced and given opportunities like anyone else'. He added: 'This work matters because many people with autism and their families continue to face misunderstanding, exclusion, and limited access to the support and opportunities they need for a better quality of life.' For example, the Centre of Advocacy and Public Education is working with various organisations to build a more inclusive environment for people with autism, Mr Zou said. Mr Chew said that it is uncommon for donors here to fund advocacy efforts, as they typically prefer to fund programmes and services for beneficiaries. The foundation is also funding CaringSG's Carewell programme, where caregivers of people with autism are supported by a trained professional in their caregiving roles in various ways . CaringSG is a charity that supports caregivers of people with disabilities. In 2024, the foundation donated $300,000, of which $200,000 was given to the SAAC, $80,000 to CaringSG and $20,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Mr Zou said. In February 2025, the foundation also committed $1 million to the Community Chest to support various causes. While Mr Zou declined to reveal the extent of Mr Budiarto's wealth, he said that Mr Budiarto's father is Mr Johan Lensa, the former owner of Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama, a firm that was once among Indonesia's largest coal mining contractors. Mr Zou said: 'We want to inspire other family offices to contribute to society. If every family is to adopt just one cause – guided not by obligation but by compassion – we believe the collective impact would be extraordinary.' Theresa Tan is senior social affairs correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers issues that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
