Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to attend a trial run of Indonesia's $7.3 billion high-speed rail project in Jakarta this week, according to Indonesian officials. The project, which is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, has faced significant challenges including delays, land procurement issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising costs. Initially expected to be completed in 2019, the 142-kilometer railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung will now be commercially launched on October 1. Testing of the rail is scheduled for September 6 and will be attended by Premier Li Qiang, along with Indonesian Minister Luhut Pandjaitan.

The Chinese Premier's visit to Jakarta is part of his attendance at the East Asia summit and other meetings. President Joko Widodo's flagship project has been plagued by setbacks, but the successful completion of the high-speed rail will be a significant milestone. As a key project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, it symbolizes the strong partnership between Indonesia and China and their commitment to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development. The Chinese Premier's visit coincides with the presence of US Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also expected to attend the meetings in Jakarta.

President Widodo has cautioned against Southeast Asian countries getting caught up in big-power rivalries, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and maintaining neutrality in international relations. Despite the challenges faced, the Indonesian high-speed rail project represents a significant step forward in the country's infrastructure development and will undoubtedly contribute to the economic growth of the region. With the presence of high-level officials from both China and the United States, the project's progress will likely garner international attention and further strengthen Indonesia's position as a key player in Southeast Asia.