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With most Jakartans stuck in macet for a large part of the day, the idea of a place in the city where cars can drive as fast as they possibly can sounds like a total fantasy. But Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama says it will become a reality soon.
Yesterday, Ahok had a meeting with the owner of the International Circuito de Almeria, David Garcia. During the meeting, they talked about Jakarta’s own plans for building a racing circuit.
Ahok said construction on the international standard racetrack will be started this year and should be completed next year.
He added that the city government will work closely with the private sector and David Garcia to make sure the track is built on time and up to standard. He also said the circuit will be built on land near one of the airports in the area of Jakarta.
“We want to use the circuit model that allows people to sit down and watch the entire race (from their seats). We will also put it close to the airport. And we want PT Jakarta Propertindo to build a mall and hotel nearby, directly connected to the circuit,” Ahok said at City Hall on Monday, as quoted by Merdeka.
The governor said he was working with Garcia to sell the circuit to international racing organizations so that later it can be used for events and international league competitions.
“We want (the circuit) to be included in the schedule of international race events. It should happen by 2017. The revenues could reach Rp 2 trillion,” Ahok said.
