DPRD DKI Member Kenneth: Padel Courts in Residential Areas Must Not Compromise Community Comfort
Hardiyanto Kenneth, a member of the Jakarta Regional Representative Council (DPRD DKI) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle faction, has raised concerns about the rapid proliferation of padel courts in residential areas across Jakarta. According to Kenneth, the fast-growing trend of padel sports in the capital must be balanced with strict spatial planning regulations, transparent licensing, and robust protections for the comfort of neighbouring residents.
Kenneth, commonly known as Bang Kent, stated that whilst padel sports have indeed become popular and part of urban lifestyle, the development of such facilities must not disregard public order, environmental comfort, and spatial planning regulations applicable in Jakarta Province.
“In principle, I support the development of sports, including padel. However, the construction of padel courts in the middle of residential environments must consider social and environmental impacts. Business interests must not come at the cost of residents’ rights to a peaceful and comfortable environment,” Kenneth said in a statement on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
The member of Commission C of the DPRD DKI Jakarta revealed that he has received numerous complaints from residents through his social media channels, particularly regarding noise from play activities extending late into the evening. The sound of bouncing balls, players’ shouts, and visitor activity are considered quite disruptive, especially when activities continue past 20:00 WIB or even into the early hours of the morning.
Beyond noise concerns, Kenneth also highlighted impacts on traffic and parking. He observed that many padel courts are built without adequate parking facilities, causing visitors’ vehicles to use nearby residential streets. This condition is seen as disrupting residents’ traffic flow and potentially triggering social conflict.
“Residential streets are not for commercial parking. If adequate parking space is not available, the impact will certainly affect neighbouring residents. This must be prevented from the outset through technical assessment and strict requirements,” stated Kenneth, who also serves as Head of IKAL PPRA LXII Lemhannas RI.
Kenneth believes that padel court development in established residential or housing environments should be restricted, and even prohibited if not in line with spatial planning designations. He called on the Jakarta Provincial Government to tighten oversight and refrain from issuing permits carelessly.
As a solution, Kenneth advocates that every padel court development must comply with additional requirements, including:
Environmental approval through Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (UKL/UPL) documents.
Traffic Impact Analysis (Amdal Lalin).
Technical recommendation from the Jakarta Youth and Sports Office.
Compliance with sound dampening standards and operational hour restrictions.
Provision of parking facilities in accordance with visitor capacity.
Additionally, all standard Building Permit (PBG) requirements must still be met, such as completeness of applicant identification cards, land ownership documents, and technical plan drawings covering architecture, structure with calculations, and mechanical and electrical installations.
Kenneth emphasised that clear and firm regulations are necessary to ensure the development of padel sports continues without causing public anxiety.
“I want there to be balance. Sports develop, the economy moves forward, but residents also feel safe, comfortable, and undisturbed. The government must be present to ensure rules are enforced,” concluded Kenneth, who also serves as Head of the Disaster Management Agency (BAGUNA) of the Jakarta PDI Perjuangan Regional Council.