High-Speed Railway Construction in Indonesia: Embracing Modern Technologies for Quality and Long-Term Performance

Strategic Insights -

High-speed rail construction in Indonesia, recognized as the first in Southeast Asia, presents unique challenges due to complex topography and high population density. A recent study by researchers from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology highlighted the importance of modern technologies in ensuring the quality and long-term performance of trackforms and supporting infrastructure. The study explored the construction process of the elevated structure, featuring full-span prestressed concrete box girders, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of ballasted and slab track systems. The research emphasizes the need for further research and development to support the operation and maintenance of the existing line and its planned future extensions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The construction of high-speed railway infrastructure in Indonesia requires modern technologies to ensure quality and long-term performance.
  • The elevated structure of the high-speed railway line features full-span prestressed concrete box girders, which constitute a considerable portion of the line.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering complex topography and high population density in the design and construction of the high-speed railway line.
  • The two types of trackform systems used in the high-speed railway line are ballasted track and slab track, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
  • The research concludes that further research and development are necessary to support the operation and maintenance of the existing line and its planned future extensions.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, including Asdam Tambusay, Rafif Zufarihsan, Priyo Suprobo, Benny Suryanto, and Omar Laghrouche.
  • The study's findings are published in the Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives journal, Volume 31, Issue 2025, Article Number 101385.

Statistics:

  • The high-speed railway line in Indonesia spans a considerable portion of which is elevated structure featuring full-span prestressed concrete box girders. (Source: Recent developments in high-speed railway in Indonesia: Superstructure construction and track infrastructure, Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2025)
  • The study highlights the need for modern technologies in the construction of high-speed railway infrastructure to ensure quality and long-term performance. (Source: Research Data from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Update Understanding of Transportation, Journal of Transportation, 2025)
  • The two types of trackform systems used in the high-speed railway line have different advantages and disadvantages, with ballasted track being more suitable for certain sections and slab track for others. (Source: Recent developments in high-speed railway in Indonesia: Superstructure construction and track infrastructure, Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2025)
  • The study emphasizes the importance of considering complex topography and high population density in the design and construction of the high-speed railway line. (Source: Research Data from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Update Understanding of Transportation, Journal of Transportation, 2025)

Sources:

  • Recent developments in high-speed railway in Indonesia: Superstructure construction and track infrastructure, Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2025, 31():101385.
  • Research Data from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Update Understanding of Transportation, Journal of Transportation, 2025, p 207.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2025.101385