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PIK 2 race circuit must not repeat Mandalika's ‘issues’
A planned Formula One circuit to be built in a newly developed area of North Jakarta will boost tourism and help the automotive industry, but a well-developed plan is essential, experts say.
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Motorists drive on May 4, 2016, along the Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) International Bridge connecting PIK 2 Sedayu Indo City and Golf Island, in North Jakarta. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
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planned Formula One (F1) circuit to be built in a newly developed area of North Jakarta will boost tourism and help the automotive industry, but a well-developed plan is essential to make the private-sector project viable, experts say.
The development of Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2 by property conglomerates Agung Sedayu Group and Salim Group has sparked a countrywide discussion about whether Indonesia really needs another race circuit as the state-run Mandalika circuit on the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara vies for global attention.
Experts say hosting the most recognized motorsport category would benefit Indonesian motorsports and support the domestic automotive industry as well as tourism.
The government has declared the 1,000-hectare PIK 2 development area, which will hold F1 competitions starting in 2029, a national strategic project (PSN).
Emphasizing the state’s role in facilitating megaprojects, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno defended the PSN status of the private-sector project.
“It is our view that this [project] ought to be accelerated and granted strategic priority because of its proximity to Soekarno-Hatta [International] Airport and the presence of tourist attractions, including mangroves [...] and other areas suited to ecotourism,” he said at his ministry’s weekly press briefing on April 1.
Sandiaga expressed optimism that the area extending from the north coast of Banten to the east and west of Jakarta could become a tourist destination with significant potential to draw visitors and generate business revenue, for the benefit of the local community.
