Official: Jakarta Formula E to Be Held in Ancol

TheIndonesia.id - Organizing committee of Jakarta Formula E has announced Ancol as the venue for the electric car race championship that is set to take place next year.

Chairperson of the committee Ahmad Sahroni said the decision was made after discussions with International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula E Operation (FEO).

“The approval from the two organizations was given this morning to appoint Ancol as circuit for Formula E in Jakarta,” Sahroni told the press in Ancol, Jakarta, on Wednesday, December 22. President director of PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) Widi Amanasto and Indonesian racecar driver Ananda Mikola were also present on the occasion.

He added that Ancol meets the criteria to become the venue for the international event because it’s located in the middle of the city and iconic. The extensive area of Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta is another defining factor as the event is expected not to disrupt traffic or the operation of other public facilities.

“Ancol is a dynamic and iconic location in Jakarta, and [the event] won’t affect other facilities and infrastructures,” Sahroni added.

Prior to the official announcement, at least four other locations were considered as candidates to host the event: JIExpo Kemayoran, Jalan Sudirman, Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), and Pantai Indah Kapuk. Along with Ancol, JIExpo Kemayoran was later included as the final two.

A number of politicians have condemned the capital’s plan to hold the event, especially in the midst national battle against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was seen unnecessary as Jakarta had to allocate a huge amount of money to hold the event.

For commitment fee, organizer paid Rp560 billion (US$40 million) using Jakarta’s regional budget, or APBD.

Jakpro claimed back in October that initially, they had to pay around US$164 million. However, upon negotiations with the FEO, the fee was reduced.

“Due to COVID-19, we used negotiation tactic because it’s going to be difficult considering current situation,” Amanasto said during meeting with Commission B of the Jakarta DPRD on October 6, 2021.

He also confirmed that future costs arising from hosting the event won’t be paid with Jakarta’s APBD but with sponsorship money.

“The queue to become sponsor is already long, but we will first study the proposals,” Amanasto added.