444 Padel Courts in Jakarta Lack Safety Certification, Operations Could Be Halted

Jakarta — Approximately 444 padel courts in Jakarta lack the necessary Certificate of Occupancy (SLF), a building safety certification required before operation.

As a result, hundreds of these sports facilities are prohibited from operating until obtaining the required certification. “If you don’t have an SLF, you’re not allowed to operate — you must close,” said Vera Revina Sari, Head of the Jakarta Public Works, Spatial Planning and Land Agency (Citata), following the sealing of a padel court in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Monday 16 March 2026.

“In total, there are 446 padel courts in Jakarta. Only two of them have the certificate, located in Central Jakarta,” she added.

According to Sari, before any building is constructed, owners must first obtain a Building Permit (PBG). This permit is necessary to allow the government to understand development plans and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

“Building permits are mandatory before construction begins. This way, we can know what will be built, and afterwards we can verify whether it complies with regulations,” Sari explained.

Sari noted that the Certificate of Occupancy ensures building conditions are safe and fit for public use. “Some people might think ‘it’s just a permit’, but this affects structural integrity and other factors. If the proper licensing process isn’t followed, we can’t physically inspect it,” she stated.

She stressed that the SLF is an essential requirement before any building, including padel courts, can be used for its intended purpose. The Jakarta administration has begun enforcement operations to bring non-compliant facilities into compliance with regulations.