Formula E Not Allowed in Monas; PSI Suggests Cancelation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) faction of Jakarta Legislative Council suggested the city’s budget for Formula E electric cars race slated to take place in Monas to be redirected for the flood mitigation program in the capital.

The PSI voiced its request after the steering committee of the Medan Merdeka Area Development or Komrah rejected the city’s proposal to use Monas areas of Central Jakarta as the race venue.

“Early this year, Jakarta hit by massive flooding despite only showered by one-day rain. The city administration should prioritize the flood anticipation program, instead of Formula E,” said the Commission D member from PSI faction Justin Adrian in a written statement, Thursday, January 6.

According to him, the rejection made by the State Secretariat Ministry should be an evaluation material for the city administration to hold the world’s eco-friendly race. Besides, if the venue is relocated to public roads, it would potentially cause severe congestion, Justin added.

“We have refused the event since the beginning because it has no clear benefit,” he said, “So I suggest it be canceled, then the budget can be used to a more urgent matter, anticipating flood.”

"The government has three flood mitigation programs that should be Jakarta administration’s priorities; repairment of embankment, river normalization, and water pump repairment," Justin concluded.

IMAM HAMDI