East Jakarta City Government Closes Two Illegal Access Points to Cawang City Forest Following Misuse
The East Jakarta city government has closed two access points to Cawang City Forest located on Jalan Mayjen Soetoyo, Kebon Pala Village, Makasar District, following widespread reports of the area being misused for immoral activities.
Makasar District Camat Dimas Prayudi stated that the enforcement action was carried out jointly with the Parks and City Forest Sub-Department (Tamhut), village officials, and community security pillars, including military and police liaisons. “Today we are working together with the Parks Sub-Department, village and district officials, and community security pillars to reduce social security risks at the park in Kebon Pala Village, as there have been reports and community concerns about the improper use of the park,” Prayudi said on Friday, 27 February 2026.
According to Prayudi, the location was allegedly frequently used for activities inconsistent with the park’s intended purpose. Consequently, the government implemented preventive measures to restore the optimal function of the green open space. “Our message to the community, particularly residents of East Jakarta, is to use the park in accordance with its proper function. What we are doing today is a preventive measure to reduce these impacts, and it is our collective responsibility to maintain this park,” he stated.
As part of the enforcement, the city government permanently sealed two illegal access gaps with concrete. Additionally, fences that were previously damaged near the toll road were repaired through welding to prevent their use as unauthorised entry points. “We sealed two access points today permanently with concrete, working with the Parks Sub-Department, and we also welded holes in the fence,” Prayudi explained.
Surveillance will be intensified, including through joint night-time operations involving the Civil Service Police (Satpol PP), police, and military personnel. “We will conduct operations this evening with Satpol PP and community security pillars, beginning at 21:00 (9 PM),” he said.
Additionally, lighting around the park will be enhanced to improve visibility and security. The Highways Sub-Department will install supplementary lighting, including two spotlights.
Dwi Ponangsera, Head of the East Jakarta Parks and City Forest Sub-Department, stated that his office was also trimming vegetation around the fence to improve visibility from outside the park. “We are trimming vegetation to minimise obstruction of the view from outside. Today’s work includes trimming along the outer fence, sealing the fence, and implementing additional security measures,” Ponangsera said.
The city government hopes that closing illegal access points, enhancing lighting, and conducting regular surveillance will prevent further misuse of the park and restore its function as a public space for positive community activities.