Jakarta to host 2020 Formula E

A convoy of electric and plug-in hybrid cars runs through Jalan Thamrin in Central Jakarta to launch the arrival of Formula E racing in the capital on Friday. (Beritasatu Photo/Lenny Triistia Tambun). Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

JAKARTA, Sep 22, 2019, Jakarta Globe. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced on Friday the city has been officially awarded the honor to host the electric car race Formula E next year. The Jakarta edition of the race will be held on roads around the National Monument on June 6, 2020, reported the Jakarta Globe.

At a press conference accompanied by Formula E’s co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo, Anies said Jakarta will become a regular Formula E host for five years.

“Alberto and I discussed the plan to have Jakarta as one of the 2020 Formula E hosts in New York in July. In August the decision was made to give us this honor, which we officially receive today,” Anies said.

The hi-tech race is in line with Jakarta’s commitment to promoting emission-free transportation and the use of sustainable energy sources, he said.

The governor claimed that as a host, Jakarta would also grab economic benefits, most notably from rising hotel occupancy and other hospitality activities.

“We hope in the remaining eight months we can make the best preparations possible so the event will help boost the economy in Jakarta,” Anies said.

“We will host the race for five consecutive years, so our investment should bring multiple benefits. We hope this annual event will entertain people and attract foreign visitors,” he said.

The Jakarta government is expecting to reap 78.3 million euros in economic benefits as a Formula E host. It has requested a budget of Rp 1.3 trillion ($92.3 million) to the city’s legislative council for commitment fee, road reconstructions, building safety walls, insurance, and others.

Formula E is an all-electric street racing championship partnered by global technology and robotics giant ABB.

“With this event, we hope Jakarta is entering the next stage [of its development]. We want to be in the orbit of modern cities, a megapolitan capable of hosting international events,” Anies said.

The Formula E race will have 24 electric cars and drivers racing through a street circuit to be built around the National Monument in Central Jakarta.

Anies has appointed provincial government-owned company Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) as the event organizer.

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