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Jakarta readies for green Formula E race amid air pollution woes
In early discussions, Syafrin said both sides agreed on two alternative routes in Central Jakarta.
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Eco-friendly racers: Venturi Formula E drivers Felipe Massa (front) and Edoardo Mortara (back) pose during the presentation of the Venturi electric Formula E car for the 2018-2019 season in Monaco on Nov. 30, 2018. (Reuters/Eric Gaillard)
H
osting the prestigious Formula E race, which is for electric cars only, may be fitting for Jakarta, the capital city of Southeast Asia’s largest economy that is plagued by a poor level of air quality.
Jakarta’s air pollution has recently been in the spotlight for its severe level that studies find to be among the worst in the world. The pollution has also prompted a group of residents to file a lawsuit against the government to push for better measures to tackle the silent killer.
The secretary-general of the Indonesia Motorsports Association (IMI), Jeffrey JP, said Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, had been considered as a host by the organizer in the past due to its poor air-quality levels.
Hosting the event, he said, could benefit Jakarta by increasing awareness on sustainable transportation.
"Formula E is held on the main roads of capital cities of countries because it promotes reduced air pollution from the motorized vehicles,” he told The Jakarta Post recently.
Starting in its first season in 2014, the race is the only inner-city competition involving electricity-powered single-seater cars. Since the idea was conceived in 2011 by Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag, the championship series was intended “to demonstrate the potential of sustainable mobility to help create a better, cleaner world”, according to Formula E’s official website, fiaformulae.com.
Officially named the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, the series also serves as a lab for developing and demonstrating electric cars in the fight for clean air, the website stated.
