Don't Forget The Ancol Circuit, The First International Class Automotive Racing Arena In Indonesia

One of the motor racing events at the Ancol Circuit, the first automotive racing arena in Indonesia which was completed in 1970. (Photo: Doc. National Library of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The effort to present world-class racing entertainment has been going on since the New Order (Orba) era. Ali Sadikin is the figure behind it. It all started with Ali Sadikin's desire to realize Soekarno's dream of presenting the most complete amusement park. Like Disneyland, he thought. Ancol Dreamland Park was also worked on. Jaya Antjol Circuit Djakarta is one of the main entertainments. The circuit also invites praise from world racers. Therefore, the Ancol Circuit can produce great racers in the country.

Soekarno once wanted Indonesia to have the most complete tourist and entertainment park in Jakarta. The idea came after a visit to America in the 1950s. He was amazed by all kinds of American-style amusement parks (US). Disneyland, especially.

The results of his observations are expressed in the form of ideas. Putra Sang Fajar wants to create a similar amusement park in Indonesia. He chose Ancol in the north of Jakarta as the main location. The development plan will be implemented soon. Even if Bung Karno had to change the direction of Ancol development. Because, initially Ancol was planned as an industrial area, then it turned into a tourist icon area of Jakarta.

The idea actually got a good reception. The mandate of the Ancol Project was carried out by the government in collaboration with a French contractor, Compagnic Industriale de Travaux (Citra) in 1962. However, the construction did not go smoothly. Sukarno himself immediately stepped down from office. Ali Sadikin also became a savior.

The shape of the Ancol Circuit was close to being renovated in the 1970s. (Photo: Doc. National Library)

Ali Sadikin did not want Bung Karno's plan to become a failed project. He who served as Governor of Jakarta from 1966 to 1977 took the baton of development. He continued Bung Karno's dream to build tourist attractions.

The man nicknamed the Kennedy of the East believed the project could be completed. He then appointed a successful businessman, Ciputra, to be the main leader of PT. Pembangunan Jaya is working on it. Ancol's first project "Bina Ria Ancol Recreation Park" was completed in 1967. After that, other Ancol projects followed.

“After I got treatment from America in 1970, I ordered Ciputra and PT. Pembangunan Jaya to go to California, take a close look at the recreational areas there, see Disneyland and the clever sea fish, dolphins, and others. And it turns out that Ciputra, who was agile and insightful at the time, was really dexterous and also moved some of the Californian atmosphere so that people who enter the Ancol area can now breathe the beach air.”

“I should remember that the Ancol Project was Bung Karno's idea. It was he who first presented the picture, so that the swamp was woven into a place to relax, have fun. Yes, Bung Karno's idea is like the By Pass highway! Oh, if there is no By Pass highway, what would traffic in Jakarta be like? That's an idea that I really appreciate,” said Ali Sadikin as written by Ramadhan KH in the book Bang Ali: Demi Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).

Working Together to Build Ancol Circuit

The emergence of the Bina Ria Ancol Recreational Park has received great attention from the Indonesian people. A number of investors are also competing to invest their funds in Ancol. Since then, the narrative of Ancol as the most complete amusement park has been seen since the early 1970s. Golf courses, art markets, casinos and cinemas are the main forms of entertainment.

Ali Sadikin was not necessarily complacent. He accepted the idea of building other facilities a lot. Tracks for world-class racing, for example. The idea was taken seriously by the man who is familiarly called Bang Ali. According to him, the racing arena is not only a challenge for Jakarta to produce reliable racers, but also serves as a means to suppress the number of illegal racing that is troubling in the capital city of Jakarta.

The 1971 Indonesian Grand Prix racing event at the Ancol Circuit. (Photo: Doc. National Library)

The plan to build the circuit actually received support from many parties in the 1970s. Lots of sponsors. Pertamina, one of them. Personal support also comes from various circles. From businessmen to Indonesian police figures. Everyone is working hand in hand to realize Jakarta's dream of having the first world-class race track.

"For this project, the role of Pertamina and several large entrepreneurs engaged in the automotive sector, such as Astra, is quite large, both in its construction and in every racing event. The Indonesian Mobil Association (IMI) and police figures, such as Soecipto Yudhodihardjo (Chief of the Indonesian National Police at the end of President Soekarno's administration), Hoegeng Imam Santoso, Sukahar, and Widodo Budidharmo have a fairly important role."

“The construction of the Car Racing Circuit is strongly supported by the police figures and the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), such as Mukhtar Latif. The phenomenon of illegal racing on the streets of the Capital City, as well as official races that are held inappropriately, such as at Halim Airport and Parking Timur Senayan, are the background for the construction of this vehicle project," said an important figure in the construction of the Ancol Project, Seokardjo Hardjosoewirjo, as written by Sugianto Sastrosoemarto in his book. Footprints of Soekardjo Hardjosoewirjo in Ancol Dreamland Park (2010).

Be the Pride of Indonesia

The development was carried out in stages. The circuit which was originally an ordinary street was immediately fully developed in the 1970s. In total there are 12 corners with a circuit length of 4.4 km. Complete facilities (Paddock, Pit, and others are also prepared. The circuit that is summarized is known as the Jaya Antjol Circuit Djakarta.

The presence of the circuit has in fact attracted many people to organize races – cars or motorbikes – on a national and international scale. Even the mock race “Le Mans 24 Hours” was adopted at the Ancol Circuit. However, the race was modified to become the “Six Hour Car Endurance Race.” Not only the title race that is presented. The Ancol Circuit also gave birth to many national racing stars. Among others, Hengky Irawan, Saksono, Karsono, and Tinton Suprapto.

Go-kart racing at the Ancol Circuit. (Photo: Doc. National Library)

As a racer, Tinton often won various car competitions. During 1962-1966, he won the Indonesian Grand Prix, Siliwangi Race, Pangkalan Jati Race, Armada Race. During 1972-1979 he repeated his success, including in the overseas arena. Penang Grand Prix and Macau Grand Prix.

As quoted from the book What & Who Are Some Indonesians 1985-1986, Tinton is said to have forced Jackie Stewart in second place in the race for the President Soeharto Cup, and to beat the Japanese racer, Misaki at the Ancol Circuit in 1979.