Anies' Subordinates Affirm That Formula E Has Nothing To Do With Monas Revitalization

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has canceled the location of the National Monument (Monas) as a Formula E circuit. This has drawn criticism because a number of parties consider the construction of the Monas revitalization to be carried out to support the implementation of Formula E.

However, this was denied by the subordinates of the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan. The Head of the Monas Area Management Unit (UPK) Isa Sanuri emphasized that the revitalization of Monas was an activity that was planned separately from Formula E.

Isa emphasized that the revitalization of Monas began with the process of a design competition which was announced in mid-September 2018 and the announcement of the winner of the competition at the end of January 2019.

"As far as I know each one. The revitalization of Monas is only a revitalization activity. The revitalization activity is a follow-up to the results of the competition. The revitalization (construction) activity of the same area at the National Monument itself, exterior and interior, said Isa Sanuri when contacted by VOI, Monday, October 11th.

Isa admitted that PT Jakarta Propertindo had indeed tested the asphalting of the Formula E circuit at Monas, while at the same time the revitalization of Monas was still ongoing.

However, he emphasized that the revitalization location on the south side of Monas was different from the asphalt testing on the east side.

"Yes, the location is also different between asphalt testing and revitalization, even though at that time the activities were both running," said Isa.

Previously, Managing Director of Jakarta EPIX PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), Gunung Kartiko said that the DKI Provincial Government will not use the National Monument (Monas) area as a Formula E circuit next year due to licensing issues.

"The venue, which is clearly not at Monas. That's just the clue, because Monas seems a bit heavy in terms of licensing. So we are looking for an icon location that does show Jakarta," said Gunung, some time ago.

Moreover, said Gunung, if you want to make a Monas, it is feared that the circuit made will not be optimal because it uses non-permanent asphalt.

"Monas is used to be known, the asphalt was damaged," said Gunung.

This has drawn criticism from PSI Central Executive Board spokesman Sigit Widodo. Sigit regretted the actions of the DKI Provincial Government which had cut down hundreds of trees in the Monas revitalization activity. He considered that the revitalization was carried out to support Formula E.

"Even though they have cut down trees and damaged the streets at Monas for asphalt testing. Next time, don't make crazy activities like this, Mr. @aniesbaswedan. And it should be canceled," wrote Sigit on the sigitwid Twitter account.