Bamsoet Errors Statement, Jokowi's Formula E Circuit Is Not Determined

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) Bambang Soesatyo has corrected his earlier statement that the Formula E circuit would be determined by President Joko Widodo.

Bamsoet said that the parties who will decide where the Formula E track will be held are BUMD PT Jakpro as the organizer, IMI as the implementing committee, and Formula E Operation (FEO) as the license holder of Formula E.

"IMI, Alberto and Jakpro will later be responsible for making decisions in determining the location of the Jakarta E-Prix 2022 circuit," said Bamsoet in a written statement, Friday, November 26.

The chairman of the MPR RI admitted that not just any location can be used as a Formula E circuit. Formula E has its own uniqueness compared to other similar races because it uses a highway in the middle of the city.

The construction must not interfere with the existing structure. For example changing or moving an existing building. Moreover, to cut trees and damage the environment.

"Therefore, it requires complex special skills. IMI plays a very important role there, ensuring that the selected circuit location will be further developed to comply with FEO standards and also Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile/FIA standards," said Bamsoet. Then, why was there a statement that Jokowi who will determine the Formula E circuit? Bamsoet explained that the party who wishes to involve Jokowi in the implementation of Formula E, especially in choosing the location of the circuit is the Formula E license holder himself, namely the Chief Championship Formula E Operations (FEO) Alberto Longo.

"Yesterday, Alberto Longo as Co-Founder and Chief Championship Formula E Operations (FEO), hoped to meet President Joko Widodo at the request of Governor Anies Baswedan. To ask for directions regarding which location is the most appropriate for the location of the Formula-E circuit considering this is an event international, where did it go wrong?" he said

Bamsoet considered that Longo's wish should be appreciated. Because, according to him, the president's involvement is a form of respect for the FEO to the Formula E host country.

"In fact, I consider it a form of respect for Alberto to the President as he has done in several countries," he added.