Monas Allowed for Formula E on Conditions: Govt

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The deputy director of communications of Formula E Jakpro, Hilbram Dunar, said that discussions on the letter issued by the State Secretariat Ministry allowing the use of the National Monument or Monas area for the electric car race was still afoot.

The permission letter by the Steering Committee of Medan Merdeka Development was delivered on Friday, February 7. “The meeting is still ongoing, so the result cannot be informed yet,” Hilbram told Tempo on Monday, February 10.

Previously, the State Secretariat Ministry reportedly barred the race from being held at Medan Merdeka Park or commonly known Monas. Hence, Jakpro as the organizer was seeking alternative venues with Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium and Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin as possible alternatives.

However, the letter inked by chairperson Pratikno noted that Monas could be available as long as the use of the city’s icon complied with the Law on Cultural Heritage.

Hilbram said the meeting was also attended by Jakarta Bina Marga Agency, and that the meeting minutes would be reported to the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the Formula E Operations (FEO) Limited. “Their representatives are still here [in Jakarta].”

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan previously stated that he was ordered to change the race's initial track design, which included Monas in consideration of its status as cultural heritage. “We honor the decision,” said Anies on Thursday, February 6.

IRSYAN HASYIM