TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) demanded Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan canceled the plan to host the world’s eco-friendly race for electric cars Formula E in 2020. According to a member of PSI faction at Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Anthony Winza Probowi, the planned event was profligacy of people’s money amid the deficit condition of the regional budget.

Anthony said that people in the capital needed more attention, and the event projected to cost trillions of rupiah did not relate to the city’s strategic plan.

“If it is just to garner public attention, don’t use people’s money. Moreover, it is unclear how much revenue we would receive,” said Anthony on Thursday, November 7.

Another member from PSI faction Anggara Wicitra Sastroamidjojo seconded Anthony’s statement. He opined that the international electric-powered formula series did not in line with the city administration’s efforts to encourage the use of electric cars

Anggara said that the capital could implement other strategies to support the electric vehicle program that was recently promoted, such as by constructing the supporting infrastructure. “For example, the city administration could build electric car charging stations in thousands of locations or purchase hundreds of electric buses,” he added.

The politician claimed he had not received the study result on investment of the race implementation. He also questioned the event that was not listed in the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), yet noted in the governor’s list of priority programs.

Previously, Anies Baswedan announced that Jakarta would host Formula E on June 6, 2020. The international race to be held at Monas areas reportedly would cost Rp1.6 trillion.

ADAM PRIREZA