Boxing arena under Pasar Rebo flyover becomes a hub to prevent brawls

The East Jakarta City Government (Pemkot Jaktim) has begun organising the area under the Pasar Rebo flyover in Susukan Ward, Ciracas District, into a public space and venue aimed at preventing brawls among teenagers. “The area will be equipped with a boxing arena, which is expected to serve as a place for children and teenagers to channel their talents and energy positively rather than engaging in brawls,” said East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin in Jakarta on Thursday. According to him, this boxing facility can become a more organised public space and a means of positive activity for the community, particularly youth. The arrangement is being carried out ahead of the planned inauguration of the boxing arena and skateboard ramp scheduled for 12 May. Meanwhile, Ciracas District Head Panangaran Ritonga stated that the organisation of the area is a direct instruction from the East Jakarta Mayor to make the space under the Pasar Rebo flyover neater, more comfortable, and suitable for public use. “First, the Mayor asked us to carry out activities to tidy up the area around the Pasar Rebo flyover underpass, which falls within Susukan Ward, Ciracas District,” Ritonga said. “There are boxing activities and a boxing ring, which we hope will be inaugurated directly by the Governor. We certainly want to welcome his presence with a tidier and more appropriate area,” he added. He explained that the organisation process involves repainting several facilities and surrounding areas because the previous condition appeared dull due to dust and faded paint. “The condition is indeed due to dust, and the old paint has faded, so we are repainting to make it cleaner and more attractive,” Ritonga said. He hopes that the existence of the boxing facility can become a solution to reduce brawl actions that often involve teenagers. Such sports facilities can also serve as a positive channel to direct young people’s energy. “Rather than brawling, it’s better for their energy to be channelled in a sports arena. So this area becomes a public space for the community to enjoy facilities while channelling their hobbies and talents,” he explained. In the future, the arena’s management will not be free without rules, but there will be parties regulating usage schedules, training activities, and matches. “We will formalise its management to ensure the sustainability of these infrastructure facilities. So not just anyone can play freely, but there will be managers regulating match and sports schedules,” Ritonga said. In its management, the district will involve local elements such as neighbourhood associations (RT, RW) and community protection units (LMK) as supervisors. The main responsibility lies at the ward level. Each sports branch will have management representatives to ensure all activities remain coordinated with the surrounding environment, including any events requiring police permits for crowds. “We hope this boxing and skateboard facility can promote sports among the community. Hopefully, it will produce athletes who can reach national and even international levels and bring pride to Indonesia,” Ritonga said. Besides serving as a sports development facility, the government also hopes the area under the Pasar Rebo flyover remains clean and beautiful, providing positive impacts to the surrounding environment.