TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State Secretariat Minister Pratikno claimed that Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had never submitted a letter requesting the minister’s approval on the National Monument or Monas revitalization.

The Commission Head of Medan Merdeka Development said Anies had only sent two letters in light of the construction of Mass Rapid Transit or MRT station and Formula E race circuit.

"Jakarta Governor submitted a request for the project permission for an MRT station in Monas area that we have discussed in detail along with the steering committee members," Pratikno told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 28.

Meanwhile, the second letter was about the city's request to use Jalan Medan Merdeka for the racing competition of electric cars Formula E.

“Honestly, we have not yet received a letter related to the revitalization project of Monas,” he underlined, clarifying that Anies had never delivered any letter other than the said two.

Therefore, the state secretary said he wrote to the governor a few days ago, reminding Jakarta about the project procedure that was set aside.

In addition, Pratikno said he had invited several parties to discuss the matter, including urban planning experts, observers, environmental experts, and observers of cultural heritage.

Earlier on Monday, January 27, Pratikno said he would also write to the Jakarta Provincial administration to temporarily halt the Monas revitalization project given the lack of the ministry’s approval.

FIKRI ARIGI | TAUFIQ SIDDIQ