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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.Click here to read more2. IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports MinisterThe 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.Click here to read more3. Indonesia Makes Debut in Yuan Market, Issues 6 Billion Yuan in Dim Sum BondsThe 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.Click here to read moreClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
