Whoosh Corruption Probe Tests KPK's Independence

November 1, 2025 | 07:38 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Investigation into alleged corruption of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, or Whoosh, is a test for Indonesian anti-graft agency KPK, said former senior investigator Praswad Nugraha.

According to him, there is a strong indication of violation behind the national strategic project, thus, a professional handling that is free from political intervention is required. 

"If indeed, there was a three-fold price hike, as stated by Mahfud MD, it's a strong indication of corruption," Praswad said in a written statement on Friday, November 1, 2025.

The price gap signals a potential markup practice that harms state finances, as it results in excessive burden despite the government's efforts to streamline spending.

KPK, Praswad said, must delve into the parties that approve the procurement values that led to Indonesia's overpayment. The agency can do so by tracing the official procurement process, and he insisted that the case is a common corruption method. 

Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of KPK's independence in handling this case, considering the Whoosh project was an ambitious product of former President Joko Widodo's reign. Meaning, there's high chance of political intervention during the case handling. 

Praswad stressed that KPK must be able to demonstrate an independent stance to prove its commitment to upholding the law without fear, or favor.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission, or KPK, is currently probing the alleged corruption in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project, also known as Whoosh. The investigation aims to ascertain the presence of any corruption in the project.

"We are still investigating and looking for criminal events. So, in this investigation process, we are focusing on that. The investigation activities are still ongoing," said KPK spokesperson, Budi Prasetyo, at the Red and White Building of KPK, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Budi was reluctant to elaborate on the progress of the investigation. He only affirmed that the investigative team is still trying to uncover criminal acts in the alleged corruption in the high-speed train project. "The team is still carrying out investigative activities," he said.

According to Budi, the investigation into the alleged corruption in the Whoosh project stemmed from several pieces of information received by KPK. "Every case handled by KPK can stem from public complaints or from case building conducted by KPK," he said on Monday, October 27, 2025.

He explained that case building is conducted based on data obtained from various institutions in Indonesia. "It could be from law enforcement agencies, as well as from financial institutions such as the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and so on," said Budi.

KPK began investigating the alleged corruption in the high-speed train project at the beginning of 2025. However, the anti-corruption agency has not disclosed the core issues being investigated.

Budi urged the public with information related to this case to promptly report it to KPK. "That information will be used by the investigators to enrich the investigation into this case," he said.

Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, confirmed that the alleged corruption in the high-speed train project has entered the investigation stage. However, he also declined to provide further details. "We are still delving into the modus operandi," said Asep.

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