Indonesian and Chinese firms in rail negotiations

An Indonesian minister said late Thursday that negotiations are underway between Indonesian and Chinese consortiums to build a high-speed rail system linking Jakarta and Bandung, capital of West Java province.

Speaking at a news briefing, Rini Soemarno, Indonesia's minister for state-owned enterprises, said the consortiums are expected to reach an agreement about the joint venture later this month.

The consortiums are in negotiations to finalize all aspects of the project, she said, emphasizing that the project would not be funded by the Indonesian government.