TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction at the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD), Gembong Warsono, cast suspicions about Governor Anies Baswedan's persistence in hosting Formula E as if the latter was determined to cover up his failed programs during his office term.

“Why did Formula E become a priority program? That’s the question. The answer is simple, to cover up all unrealized programs,” said Gembong at the Jakarta DPRD building, Friday, November 12.

According to Gembong, ahead of the end of his office term, Anies has not been able to realize all of his promised programs. “People who are flooded, those who are promised to get a house, and those who want to be entrepreneurs will forget, distracted by Formula E. That's what I think,” he added.

The plan to host the international electric car racing was first voiced by Anies at the end of 2019. He then announced that Jakarta was officially named the host in 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed to 2021.

Anies’ decision was met with objections from many people and members of the Jakarta Council, particularly PDIP and Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) factions, given the large budget disbursement while the capital city was in a budget deficit caused by the pandemic.

After a string of debates, Formula E will officially be held in Jakarta on June 4, 2022. The schedule is listed in the calendar for the eighth season 2021/2022 race set by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris, on October 15, 2021.

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M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH