Anies Baswedan to Meet Jokowi, Discuss Formula E

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan will meet with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to discuss the location of the upcoming Formula E race in the capital following the issuance of a permit by State Secretariat Ministry allowing the race to take place in the National Monunent (Monas) area.

"Governor Anies Baswedan wants to meet with President Joko Widodo tonight," said the Chief of the Jakarta Bina Marga Office, Hari Nugroho, at the City Hall on Monday, February 10, 2020.

 Hari said he was unaware of the ministerial letter until Monday morning, and that the city administration immediately discussed the letter afterwards. He added that despite the permit the State Secretariat Ministry still called for multiple conditions.

"There are several things that need to be confirmed," he said. "It is allowed [to use Monas], but there are a few notes."

The ministry set four conditions if the Jakarta government wants to use the Medan Merdeka area as a Formula E circuit. First, in planning the construction of tracks, stands, and other facilities, it must be carried out in accordance with statutory provisions, including Law Number 12 of 2010 concerning cultural preservation.

Second, the construction needs to maintain the beauty and sustainability of trees as well as vegetation and environmental cleanliness in the Medan Merdeka area. Third, security and order around the Medan Merdeka area must be maintained.

The final requirement is to involve related agencies to avoid changes in function, environmental damage, and harm to the cultural heritage in the Medan Merdeka area.

Reporter: Imam Hamdi | Translator: Dio Suhenda (Intern Translator)