Authorities in Indonesia have shown reporters a subway extension project in the capital, Jakarta.
Japan is backing the project. Many countries, including China, are keen to invest in transportation ventures in the fast-growing country.

Indonesia's first subway began operating in 2019. The 16-kilometer line connects the city center with areas in the south. The system will be extended north for some 6 kilometers.

Tunnel drilling started in February. The work was hampered by soft soil and ground subsidence, but officials stress it's ahead of schedule. Japanese public and private sectors are providing high-tech assistance and a yen loan.

China beat Japan for a contract to build a high-speed railway in 2015. Services on the link between Jakarta and Bandung were meant to start in 2019 but were delayed due to poor planning and funding disputes.

A Russian news agency says President Vladimir Putin has proposed that the state-owned Russian Railways help build Indonesia's new capital in East Kalimantan Province.

Competition to invest in infrastructure projects in Indonesia could heat up as the government pushes a range of development plans to shift the capital from Jakarta to the province.