France signals support for Bandung LRT project financing

France is prepared to support financing for a planned light rail transit (LRT) project in Bandung, Indonesia’s transport minister said, as both countries expand cooperation in the transport sector.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said French involvement is currently focused on developing the project concept and feasibility studies before construction begins.

The Bandung LRT project is expected to be developed with minimal reliance on the state budget, with the government prioritizing participation from foreign and domestic investors.

“The Bandung LRT project is moving forward and has received a positive response from the private sector. We expect it to proceed without state budget funding,” Dudy said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Monday.

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He said the government has proposed several potential routes for the LRT system, which are now being evaluated by the French side in terms of commercial feasibility. Details of the routes have not yet been disclosed.

France is also preparing project planning and mapping as part of the early-stage development process.

The announcement follows a meeting between Dudy and French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot in France, where both sides discussed potential investment in the Bandung LRT project.

French companies are expected to support financing as well as feasibility studies for the project.

Beyond the LRT initiative, Indonesia and France have agreed to expand cooperation across land, sea and air transport, including technology exchange, maritime safety improvements, port development and civil aviation technology.

The two countries plan to establish a joint working group to develop action plans and priority project agendas in the coming months.

Editing by Alexander Ginting