October 25, 2025 | 07:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Here are the highlights: Besides Indonesia's Whoosh, Which Countries Owe China for Infrastructure Development?; IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports Minister; and Indonesia Makes Debut in Yuan Market, Issues 6 Billion Yuan in Dim Sum Bonds.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Besides Indonesia's Whoosh, Which Countries Owe China for Infrastructure Development?
The controversy surrounding the debt of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (Whoosh) has resurfaced. The project, which officially began operations in October 2023, is owned by a consortium with 60 percent Indonesian and 40 percent Chinese ownership. Its initial budget of US$5.5 billion (Rp89.6 trillion) ballooned to US$7.27 billion (Rp118.4 trillion) due to cost overruns.
Seventy-five percent of the overrun was covered by new loans from the China Development Bank, with the remainder funded by additional equity from the project company, KCIC. Danantara's Chief Operating Officer, Dony Oskaria, stated the company is currently assessing two options to resolve the debt.
"Whether we add equity or hand over the infrastructure, as is common in other railway industries, where the infrastructure belongs to the government. These are the two options we are currently assessing," he said.
2. IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports Minister
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, assured that the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation will not affect Indonesia's participation in various international sports events.
"Don't give the impression that our sports are frozen due to the IOC's recommendation, preventing us from sending athletes. That's not the case," Erick said during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, October 24, 2025.
The IOC earlier urged international sports federations to avoid holding sports events in Indonesia. This came against the backdrop of visa refusal for Israeli gymnasts, who were set to participate in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.
3. Indonesia Makes Debut in Yuan Market, Issues 6 Billion Yuan in Dim Sum Bonds
The Indonesian government has successfully issued its first-ever State Bonds denominated in Chinese Renminbi (CNH), commonly known as Dim Sum Bonds, raising a total of 6 billion yuan. This amount is equivalent to approximately Rp13.2 trillion, based on an exchange rate of 1 yuan = Rp2,200.
This debut marks Indonesia's entry into the global yuan bond market and represents the government's 18th SEC-registered global bond issuance.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Finance on Friday, October 24, 2025, the transaction is a significant milestone in diversifying state budget financing and expanding Indonesia's global investor base.
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Indonesia U-23 Coach Seeks Strong Opponent for November FIFA Matchday
2 jam lalu
U-23 Indonesian national team coach Indra Sjafri aims to assess the team's overall strength in terms of tactics, mentality, and cohesion.
Industry Ministry Claims Indonesia Is One of the World's Most Efficient Textile Producers
3 jam lalu
Minister Agus said this achievement signifies that Indonesian textile products have a competitive and sustainable position in the global market.
Indonesia's Iconic Landmarks Turn UN Blue to Mark UN's 80th Anniversary
3 jam lalu
Indonesia joined the global #UNBlue campaign by illuminating three of its most iconic landmarks in the official color of the United Nations (UN).
Besides Indonesia's Whoosh, Which Countries Owe China for Infrastructure Development?
8 jam lalu
Like Indonesia's Whoosh project, many developing countries now face heavy debt after financing large infrastructure through Chinese loans.
Indonesia Makes Debut in Yuan Market, Issues 6 Billion Yuan in Dim Sum Bonds
8 jam lalu
The Indonesian government has successfully issued its first-ever State Bonds denominated in Chinese Renminbi (CNH), commonly known as Dim Sum Bonds.
KONI Sec-Gen: IOC Sanctions Won't Hinder Indonesian Athletes' Global Competition Chances
10 jam lalu
The National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) responded to the IOC's recent sanction on Indonesia.
IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports Minister
19 jam lalu
IOC urges international sports federations not to hold events in Indonesia.
Indonesia and UN Launch Postal Stamps, Special Token to Celebrate 75 Years of Partnership
22 jam lalu
The Indonesian government and the United Nations together launched commemorative stamps and tokens to mark the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-UN cooperation and friendship
Indonesia Is the World's Fifth Largest Contributor to UN Peacekeeping Forces
1 hari lalu
Indonesia has sent 2,700 peacekeeping personnel on eight UN missions to various parts of the world.
Indonesia, Brazil to Jointly Develop Ethanol Fuel, Says Energy Minister
1 hari lalu
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil aims to implement E10 ethanol-blended fuel by 2027-2028.
