Words: Aisha Daulay
With a cumulative audience of 27 million tuning in for the race in 2023, Jakarta remains a high-voltage hotspot for electric racing. Here’s our complete guide to the city that never hits pause:
The pulse of a nation
Since Indonesia’s independence in 1945, Jakarta has stood at the heart of the nation’s growth, ranging from education to politics and entertainment, all layered with rich historical landmarks. It’s a sprawling city of over 10 million residents, where around 40% of Indonesia’s money circulates. That makes the city more than just a capital, it’s a magnet for dreams, ambition, and action.
Here, skyscrapers and mosques share skylines, traditional food stalls coexist with rooftop cocktail bars, and the days move with electric momentum. It’s a place where the possible always feels within reach, whatever it may be.
Crowd-puller like no other
Formula E made its Jakarta debut in 2022 at the Jakarta International E-Prix circuit (JIEC), nestled near the Ancol waterfront with a backdrop of beaches and cityscapes. It was a landmark event, the first of its kind in Indonesia, blending the perfect balance of cutting-edge racing with a mission of sustainability.
Despite being a fresh concept for many locals, 26.7 million viewers watched Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans conquer the inaugural race. In 2023, that number climbed to 27 million, setting a record for Formula E’s most-watched race. With fans more engaged and passionate than ever, the series’ return is all set to break new ground.
Taste tempo
Jakarta’s cuisine is worth sweating for. It’s fiery, flavorful, and loud, just like the city itself. Whether it’s a plate of Nasi Goreng from a street-side cart (gerobak), a bowl of Soto Betawi (coconut milk-based beef soup), or Kerak Telor (a spicy omelette), Jakarta’s food pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
One word defines the city’s culinary soul: Sambal. Spicy, smoky, and unapologetic, this chili-based condiment appears with almost every dish, from fried chicken to satay. It’s not just food, it’s resistance and ritual, all in one bite.
Retail rush
Jakarta’s shopping centres are next-level. Air-conditioned havens in a tropical oven, they’re social spaces, status symbols, and weekend destinations for families all rolled into one.
Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia sit side-by-side near the iconic Bundaran HI (a local landmark), combining luxury labels with indie cafes.
For a taste of something more local, head to Blok M or Tanah Abang, a textile paradise filled with bargaining, bold colours, and incredibly cheap food markets.
Sarinah, the city’s first-ever department store, which has been reimagined as a modern hub for Indonesian cratives. From local brands to handcrafted batik, Jakarta’s shopping culture reflects its people: adaptable, expressive, and always on the move.
Electric heat
The Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit isn’t your average street track. Built with a tropical edge around Ancol, the 2.37km circuit features a total of 18 turns, sweeping curves, and a panoramic beach backdrop that makes it one of the most distinctive venues on the calendar.
The circuit’s proximity to the sea means drivers battle not just rivals, but sweltering heat and heavy humidity that challenges battery life, tyre grip, and stamina to the limit. It’s tight, technical, and tropical as Mitch Evans became the only driver to have ever won twice. It’s a wildcard round in the truest Formula E fashion.
Moving through the megacity
Getting around Jakarta is part strategy, part survival. The city’s TransJakarta bus network is one of the longest in the world, while the MRT, a relatively new addition, cuts cleanly through key neighbourhoods. But for many, Ojek (motorcycle taxis) remain the lifeblood of urban travel, now available via apps like Gojek and Grab.
Despite the infamous gridlock, there’s freedom in the chaos. You’ll hear street musicians serenading traffic, snack vendors selling fried tofu between lanes (they won’t stop at all cost), and kids playing football in side alleys. It’s a rhythm that can’t be replicated, one that Formula E slots right into with its own brand of sound and spectacle.
Track talk
The Sarinah Jakarta E-Prix will see 22 drivers take the JIEC circuit in pursuit of crucial championship points in the Season 11 title fight, as the series is approaching its final stretch. With its tight hairpins and high-speed straights, overtaking will be a game of patience and precision, made even more challenging by the tropical grip conditions.
Fans can expect to see strategy play a big role, with energy management and ATTACK MODE deployment potentially deciding the race in its final moments. As ever in Jakarta, those who adapt will thrive.
SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2025 Sarinah Jakarta E-Prix Round 12
Season 11 will see another returnee on the Formula E calendar. After a season away, we'll be heading back for more jostling in Jakarta.
Get set for rising temperatures both in the air and on track as the field gets set for more wheel-to-wheel action in the Indonesian capital, with the E-Prix due to take place on Saturday 21 June 2025.
Free Practice 1: 16:00 local (09:00 UTC), Friday 20 June
Free Practice 2: 08:00, (01:00 UTC) Saturday 21 June
Qualifying: 10:20 (03:20 UTC), Saturday 21 June
Race: 15:00 (08:00 UTC), Saturday 21 June
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