Indonesia has launched its first high-speed railway, four years behind schedule. The China-backed project is part of the country's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at forming a massive economic zone.

The 140-kilometer railway connects the capital, Jakarta, and Bandung. The trip takes at least two-and-a-half hours on regular trains, but only 45 minutes on the new line, called Whoosh. President Joko Widodo declared it open at the starting station. Pointing out that "everything is new" with the line's technology, speed, construction and financing system, he said, "We shouldn't be afraid to learn and try new things."

The railway was meant to start operating in 2019, but construction problems and the pandemic led to delays. China won the project bid after a fierce competition with Japan. Initially, no financial burden was placed on Indonesia. But as costs ballooned to 7.3 billion dollars, Jakarta ended up covering some of the expenses.

President Joko says the experience will spur the country's development. He is expected to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this month and talk up the benefits of the initiative.

Indonesia's Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi earlier told NHK that his country wants to work with foreign partners to build infrastructure. He said Indonesia should work not only with China, but with countries such as the United States, European nations, Australia and Japan.