JakartaGlobe-Sept 7
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan on Wednesday spent around 11 hours with investigators of the Corruption Eradication Commission, or KPK, who are investigating alleged corruption in the city’s hosting of the Formula E race. Anies intends to make the country’s first electric car race part of his proud legacy before his term expires next month and successfully made it happen in June with the presence of President Joko Widodo despite opposition from the governor’s political opponents and the rush to build a circuit in just a couple of months. The initial race was dealt with two cancellations in 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic after the city spent millions of dollars on commitment fees, triggering a motion for termination of the project by the opposing camp at the city’s legislative council. But Anies argued the race will eventually bring economic benefits to the capital city in addition to global recognition for its capacity in hosting a major international event. The KPK meanwhile has said the city budget cannot be used in business activities, primarily when the governor is about to leave office. Jakarta has secured a deal with Formula E Holdings to become a host until 2024. “God willing, all my explanations during the questioning will help shed light on the issue under inquiry and make the works by the KPK a lot easier,” he said. Anies, however, didn’t go into details about the topic being discussed with investigators. The KPK has not formally established corruption charges in this case. London-based Formula E Holdings reportedly charged Jakarta 36 million pounds ($41.5 million) in commitment fees. The inaugural race in June cost the city another Rp 120 billion in circuit construction and other expenses. Read more at: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/governor-anies-in-lengthy-kpk-interrogation-over-formula-e-funding
