Ancol Plans Echoing the 1970s: Analyst Says Uphold Norms and Focus on Driving a Special Business Zone
The plan to develop the Ancol area through land reclamation has received a positive signal. Investors are reportedly ready by the end of this year to take part in building the new zone.
The development is expected to boost regional revenue, harking back to Ancol’s golden era. Many parties have linked this to the Ancol of old, which was famous for its nightlife and even legalised gambling during the tenure of Governor Ali Sadikin.
Urban planning analyst Yayat Supriyatna believes Jakarta need not force the presence of a physical casino in pursuit of locally generated revenue (PAD), but should instead focus on more realistic and socially safer innovations for a business district.
Yayat highlighted the reality of rampant illegal gambling and online gambling (judol) today. Nevertheless, legalising conventional casinos remains a major dilemma, as it could provoke public resistance due to clashes with prevailing values, religious norms and social knock-on effects such as prostitution.
“Whether legal or illegal, the illegal stuff is already everywhere, right at your fingertips via your mobile phone. The question is, do we want to legalise something that contradicts our values and norms? Let’s not be hypocritical, but there must indeed be limits,” Yayat said when contacted by Media Indonesia on Tuesday (8/9).
Rather than stirring up a gambling controversy, Yayat suggested the development of the new reclaimed Ancol area should be directed towards a special economic zone with strong appeal.
One option would be to create a tax-free trading zone or a centre for modern business and financial activity. “We need to find what attraction would make people want to come to Ancol again. For instance, a free-tax zone so that product prices become more affordable, or turning it into a new business centre. This would be far more effective in making Ancol a wellspring of revenue for DKI without breaking the rules,” he concluded.
The reclamation comprises two zones, covering 35 hectares and 30 hectares respectively. The entire area is targeted to be established and developed by 2030.
The Ancol area in Jakarta has been officially designated as the venue for the PON Pantai 2026 beach games this coming November. The event will carry a sport tourism concept.
PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Tbk recorded 46,700 visitors during the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The beach and Dufan were the favourites, complete with underwater attractions.
Dini Rahmania, a member of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the NasDem Party faction, condemned the promotion of alcoholic drinks using a gimmick involving the memorisation of Quranic verses at The Sounds Project in Ancol.
DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has guaranteed parking availability at the Jakarta International Stadium through integration with the Ancol area to support international band concerts.