Cilincing Residents Rely on Free Parks but Lament Neglected Condition of Taman Lestari
JAKARTA – Amid limited open green spaces and expensive commercial play facilities in Jakarta, free public parks have become a mainstay for many parents supporting their children’s development.
However, the condition of Taman Lestari in Cilincing, North Jakarta, is disheartening and considered not child-friendly.
As one of Indonesia’s most densely populated cities, Jakarta continues to face land constraints for children’s play areas. Many residents have resorted to playgrounds in shopping centres or malls, despite the fact that not all families can afford the relatively expensive entrance fees.
Like Ina, 36, a Cilincing resident, who brings her three children to Taman Lestari almost daily despite far from ideal facilities.
“It helps a lot, especially during fasting season – we can come in the afternoon to play while waiting for iftar, so I don’t have to spend money on commercial playgrounds that charge 10,000 rupiah for just 15 minutes,” said Ina when interviewed.
She admitted visiting Taman Lestari Cilincing almost daily to let her children play on the slides.
Despite its continued popularity among local residents, Ina lamented the condition of Taman Lestari Cilincing, which she described as neglected and not child-friendly.
The park, measuring approximately 20 by 10 metres, has limited play facilities. In the centre are two cement slides about three metres high, painted grey.
The slide surfaces appear slippery and are considered unsafe for children given their height. The area below is not equipped with soft padding, only hard paving blocks, creating a risk of injury if children fall.
Park benches for visitors are also in poor condition. Some iron frames are missing and others corroded with age.
Most of the park floor remains unpaved red soil that becomes muddy and slippery in rain. The park frequently floods and leaves puddles in the central area after rainfall ends.
The condition becomes even more concerning at night due to minimal lighting.