A revolutionary transportation system that once seemed like science fiction is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. The Hyperloop, a high-speed, tube-based transportation technology, has taken significant strides in 2025, with governments, engineers, and investors rallying behind its potential.
As nations race to build the world’s first fully operational Hyperloop network, Indonesia and Southeast Asia are watching closely — and even exploring regional possibilities. Could this be the beginning of the next big transportation revolution?
What is Hyperloop, and Why Does It Matter?
The Hyperloop is a proposed mode of transportation that involves passenger or cargo pods traveling through near-vacuum tubes at ultra-high speeds — up to 1,200 kilometers per hour. It combines magnetic levitation (maglev) technology with low-pressure environments to minimize friction and drag.
This means Hyperloop could connect major cities in minutes instead of hours. Jakarta to Surabaya in under 45 minutes? That’s the promise.
“Elon Musk may have ignited the idea, but today, Hyperloop is a global effort,” said Dr. Yanto Siregar, a transportation researcher based in Bandung. “It’s not just about speed — it’s about efficiency, sustainability, and reimagining mobility.”
2025: A Year of Big Milestones
The Hyperloop industry has seen notable progress this year. Several companies — including Virgin Hyperloop, Hardt Hyperloop, and Elon Musk’s Boring Company — have achieved key technical demonstrations and started laying groundwork for regulatory approval.
In the United Arab Emirates, a prototype test track between Abu Dhabi and Dubai completed its first full-speed test in March. The pod reached 965 km/h, carrying two test dummies and logging successful acceleration, braking, and safety systems.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Netherlands and France have jointly launched a feasibility study for a cross-border Hyperloop corridor. The European Commission has signaled support for integrating Hyperloop into its future mobility roadmap.
And in the United States, Virgin Hyperloop has secured land in West Virginia for its certification center, targeting a commercial launch before the end of the decade.
Technology that Redefines Speed
So how does it work?
Hyperloop pods are placed inside sealed, low-pressure tubes. Air is mostly removed from these tubes to create a near-vacuum, which greatly reduces air resistance. Using magnetic levitation, the pods “float” inside the tube and are propelled forward by linear electric motors.
The result? Ultra-fast, quiet, and energy-efficient travel.
“It’s like air travel, but on the ground,” said Alex Wong, lead engineer at HyperloopTT. “We’ve eliminated most of the friction and drag that slows conventional trains.”
Safety and Regulation: Challenges Still Ahead
Despite the excitement, Hyperloop still faces several challenges. Safety certification, land acquisition, and regulatory frameworks are major hurdles.
So far, no government has officially certified a Hyperloop system for commercial use. Engineers must still prove the technology can safely carry passengers at such high speeds under real-world conditions.
“Public safety must come first,” said Ir. Budi Prasetyo from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation. “We’re watching global developments closely, especially in terms of regulation and integration into national infrastructure.”
To accelerate progress, international bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) have begun working on global Hyperloop safety standards.
Indonesia and Southeast Asia: A Future Player?
Could the Hyperloop be built in Indonesia?
With its sprawling geography and dense urban corridors, Indonesia could benefit immensely from high-speed tube travel. The idea of connecting Jakarta to Bandung or Surabaya in under an hour has sparked interest among planners and private firms.
In 2023, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) signed a preliminary agreement with a South Korean Hyperloop developer to explore feasibility. A study is now underway to examine costs, routes, and energy impact.
“We see Hyperloop as a long-term investment,” said Dita Maulida, a transport economist in Jakarta. “It’s not going to replace traditional trains, but it can complement them — especially in high-demand routes.”
Other ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore have also expressed interest in regional corridors, though no formal projects have begun.
Sustainability at the Core
Hyperloop isn’t just fast — it’s green.
The system is designed to run on renewable energy, including solar panels installed along the tubes. With no direct emissions and lower energy consumption than planes or traditional rail, Hyperloop could help countries meet their carbon reduction goals.
According to research from the European Climate Foundation, a fully developed Hyperloop network across Europe could reduce air travel emissions by up to 25% by 2040.
The Road Ahead
The Hyperloop is no longer a far-off fantasy. It’s being built, tested, and debated in boardrooms and parliaments across the world. While commercial service may still be a few years away, the momentum in 2025 is undeniable.
Countries like the UAE and the U.S. are moving quickly. Southeast Asia — and Indonesia in particular — must decide whether to leap in early or wait for proven results abroad.
What’s clear is that transportation is evolving. Hyperloop may not replace trains or airplanes overnight, but it offers a glimpse of what future mobility could look like: fast, clean, and connected.
And for a nation like Indonesia, where islands and cities sprawl across a massive archipelago, that future could be closer than we think.
