The Java-Sumatra tunnel project

AN AMBITIOUS, ISLAND-spanning scheme has been proposed that will link two of the main islands in the indonesian archipelago.

After many years of investigations into the volcanic sedimentary formations below these waters, a sub-strait rail tunnel is being planned that will cross the Sunda Strait between the densely populated island of Java and Sumatra, its giant neighbour to the west.

The island-link project is seen by its advocates as being of national and regional importance.

For some years now, the Indonesia government has attempted to encourage internal migration, away from over-populated Java, where the capital Jakarta is located near the Sunda Strait, to the myriad outer islands that make up the archipelago.

The massive infrastructure project will, though, no doubt encourage two-way traffic, for Jakarta, no matter what the policy of the government, acts like a magnet for Indonesians drawn to their capital.

The proposed, Nusantara Tunnel, as the scheme is known, will consist two inter-connected sub-strait tunnels, each 33 km long and situated about 40 meters beneath the seabed.

The 7.0-diameter tunnels will convey electric trains for passenger and cargo between Java and Sumatra. A projected traffic of 30 milion passegners a year is estimated.

The cost of the inter-island link project is estimated at US$ 1.5-2 billion for the first phase of construction.

The journey will take about an hour for a one-way fare of US$20.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Nusantara tunnel site in Indonesia at URL http://www.nusantaratunnel.co.id/

© James A. Oliver 2004

Posted: 4 October 2004

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