In Front Of Deddy Corbuzier, Anies Baswedan Responds To Criticisms About Formula E: What Else Should I Answer?

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Capture Youtube Screen of Deddy Corbuzier)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan finally opened his voice to answer various criticisms about Formula E. So far, when confirmed by the media crew, Anies seems to have closed himself off, avoided or gave a short response to answer.

Anies' most recent response to Formula E occurred after meeting a mass of workers who demonstrated the 2022 UMP increase at the DKI City Hall. Anies briefly answered in English, "Nice try," last Thursday, November 18 when asked about the development of Formula E.

Some of the criticisms leveled at the electric-powered car event ranged from the undetermined race arena, the commitment fee budget that was too high, a feasibility study, debts to banks to the profits that Jakarta made in holding the event.

On Deddy Corbuzier's podcast which was uploaded on Youtube, Wednesday, November 24, Anies answered. However, Anies did not explain in detail the criticisms that had been conveyed so far.

For example, regarding the budget, which is said to be too expensive compared to other countries. Anies said the answer had been given. Unfortunately the questioner never found out.

"Look, if the statements (expensive budgets, ed) already have answers, but those who ask never know much, why else should I answer?"

"This is a program from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, there is a Regional Regulation included in the budget. We have an obligation to implement the Regional Regulation. And if a program is already in the Regional Budget, we are under the constitution's order to implement it. Where is the problem?" Anies said.

Anie claimed, before Formula E was held, everything had been conveyed to the public. There is nothing covered up by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. The former Minister of Education and Culture said that Formula E had become a consensus in a meeting with the DKI DPRD. Because of that, it would be strange if there was a DPRD faction who proposed an interpellation.

"Imagine the interpellation of a program determined by the DPRD. It is discussed there in DPRD sessions, agreed together and then determined, the budget is set. Why does the money come out? It's already been included in the budget post in the APBD. When was that? In 2019. it should have been held in 2020. Why didn't it happen? Because of COVID, it's simple. Then why is it being postponed now? So 2021 is still COVID. Because it will be held next year, "explained Anies.

Including the Formula E racing arena. According to Anies, the location was determined with Formula E Operation (FEO) and then announced to the public.

"So the location will be determined together with the FEO. They will decide later. Several locations have been discussed. They will announce it and then we can release it. So this is something that has been determined, something is open. Everything is there. Whatever, money to outside the entry is there, the record is there,"

"Yesterday someone said that it was a loan from a bank. There is a note on that borrowed from the bank. It is impossible to make a loan that is not according to the rules. This loan is actually a bridging fund. Because the money from the APBD has not been disbursed, it is immediately returned, it's only 2 months," explained Anies.