JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Agus Rahardjo assured that the KPK will also closely monitor the US$5.5 Billion Jakarta-Bandung high speed train project as part of their effort to avoid corruption practices related to the government’s massive infrastructure projects across the country.

Agus’ statement was delivered during a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III on Wednesday (Jan. 27). “(All of) big infrastructure projects like the speed train (of Jakarta-Bandung) project is definitely under our monitoring,” Agus said.

The Jakarta-Bandung speed train project itself is handled by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), a joint company between state-owned PT Pilar Sinergi BUMN Indonesia (PSBI) and Chinese company PT China Railway International.

The physical construction of the project has been kicked off by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo last week (Jan. 21). (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)