Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that allegations of mark-up in the Whoosh high-speed train project entered the investigation stage early in 2025. The probe began before the claims went viral, though KPK refuses to detail progress or targets. Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD highlighted a significant cost discrepancy between Indonesian and Chinese calculations.
On October 27, 2025, KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the investigation into alleged corruption in the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project, known as Whoosh, is underway. "Yes, that's correct; the case is currently in the investigation stage at the KPK. Since it is still in the investigation stage, detailed information regarding the progress or developments of the case cannot be provided in detail," Budi told reporters.
The KPK emphasized that the probe began early in 2025, before the mark-up allegations gained public attention. "The investigation into this case has been underway since the beginning of the year," Budi said. The process is conducted secretly, without revealing targets.
The allegations stem from Mahfud MD's statement on October 14, 2025, in his YouTube channel. He claimed the cost per kilometer for the Whoosh project reached 52 million USD under Indonesian calculations, compared to 17-18 million USD in China, a threefold increase. "Who raised this? Where did the money go?" Mahfud questioned.
On October 16, 2025, the KPK urged Mahfud to file a report on the allegations. Mahfud responded on October 18 via his X account, stating that authorities should investigate directly or summon him as an information source. The KPK clarified on October 21 that it would not wait for Mahfud's report, and on October 26, Mahfud affirmed his readiness to provide a statement. The KPK continues to invite the public, including Mahfud, to submit supporting data.
KPK's Acting Deputy for Enforcement Asep Guntur Rahayu also confirmed the investigation stage on the same day, though without specifying the start date.