The inaugural high-speed rail initiative in Indonesia commenced during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's tenure. In 2008, the task of designing the Jakarta-Surabaya High-Speed Rail Project was assigned to the National Development Planning Agency and the Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which conducted the feasibility study. Subsequently, after Joko Widodo (Jokowi) assumed the presidency in 2014, he introduced nine development priorities within the Nawacita program. This study explores the impact of public sentiment on Indonesia's foreign policy decision-making, particularly evident in projects like the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail. The intricate interplay between society, media, and government significantly shapes foreign policy determinations. Employing a qualitative approach, this research delves into Indonesia's perspective on its collaborative ventures with China for pivotal infrastructure and strategic undertakings, while scrutinizing the issue at hand through detailed case study analysis.