Planned 50,000 Capacity Of Formula E Spectators: From Optimist To Pessimist

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan looks at a Formula E car/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - During the announcement of the location for the circuit construction on December 22, 2021, President Director of BUMD PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) Widi Amanasto once targeted Formula E to attract 50 thousand spectators. This statement was also made by the Chief Executive of Formula E, Ahmad Sahroni.

However, over time, when the construction of the Formula E circuit was underway, the organizers' optimism about the target capacity of 50 thousand spectators faded.

On Friday, March 25, a member of the Gerindra faction of the DKI DPRD, Syarif, said that a minimum number of 10 seats will be installed for spectators. He received this information from the PT Jakpro report.

"This is being reviewed considering the situation of the crowd. The minimum estimate (number of spectator seats) is 10 thousand," said Syarif while reviewing the construction of the circuit in the Ancol area, North Jakarta.

The pessimistic feeling that Formula E can accommodate 50 thousand spectators was also expressed by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria. Riza explained that the limited space for the Formula E circuit in Ancol was one factor that caused the number of spectator seats to decline.

Looking at the circuit design made by PT Jakarta Propertindo, the audience seats are not installed along the track, but only at a few points. Some parts of the circuit also coincide with housing and malls.

"Regarding the capacity (audience) it is adjusted to the capacity of the existing venue. Because the venue is in Ancol and it also has limitations. So, it is not possible in large numbers," said Riza on Monday, March 28.

However, the number of seats provided for the audience of 10 thousand is still a minimal figure. In a sense, the organizers and the organizing committee have set a point at 10 thousand spectators. However, the number of spectator seats prepared can still be more than that.

"There are several audience spots. The area that was approved yesterday is 10 thousand. The rest, this number is still fiddling. But, it's definitely above 10 thousand," said VP Communication Organizing Committee Formula E Jakarta, Iman Syafei.

Based on preliminary estimates, additional audience seats could be embedded in tens of thousands of seats. However, Iman admitted that it was impossible for the placement to reach 50 thousand spectators as was revealed at the beginning of the determination of the circuit in Ancol.

"Less than 50 thousand, maybe around 35 thousand to 40 thousand (audiences), it can be. Actually, we haven't decided on the final yet, it's still in discussion. Maybe this week the total capacity will be decided soon," said Iwan.

Basically, continued Iwan, the organizers want Formula E to be watched live with as much capacity as possible. However, the organizers must also prepare other areas such as the paddock or racing team garage, and other facilities.

Not to mention, the limited area of the circuit is also a consideration for the placement of audience seats. Bearing in mind, the electric car racing circuit is not built from vacant land, but is located in an existing tourist area.

"The capacity (Formula E viewers) in Ancol can't be opened at all. Ancol's infrastructure already exists. This circuit is not like Mandalika or like Sentul," he said.