Ombudsman Suspects Maladministration on Formula E Monas Permit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Greater Jakarta Ombudsman suspected maladministration on the issuance of recommendation to use the National Monument or Monas for Formula E event by the Restoration Trial Team (TSP).

The Ombudsman Chairman Teguh Nugroho said that the alleged maladministration could be seen from the recommendation issued on January 27, 2020, that was backdated by Jakarta Culture Agency when submitting the proposal dated January 20, 2020, to the Medan Merdeka Development Steering Committee.

"The permit is released based on the formally defective recommendation," said Teguh in a written statement, Friday, February 28, 2020.

Additionally, the Steering Committee permitted the provincial administration to hold the electric car race in Monas so long it complies with the Law on Cultural Heritage. Two days before, the committee objected to the idea.

Teguh asserted that the Steering Committee should not provide such requirements on the permit, but rather conduct a study on the city's plan. "It should be reviewed whether [using Monas] is in accordance with the law or not. At least, they should have proof that they have an environmental study on the use of cultural heritage," he remarked.

Therefore, Ombudsman demanded the city administration to stop revitalizing and constructing facilities to support the international event in Monas until the formal and material requirements mandated in the Law No. 11/2010 on Cultural Heritage are fulfilled. "Especially articles on revitalization and utilization that may cause damage in the area," Teguh added.

Teguh also lamented that Jakpro and the Jakarta administration had conducted asphalt trial in Monas as the preparation of the track for Formula E.

IMAM HAMDI