East Jakarta Municipal Government Closes Urban Park Amid Alleged Same-Sex Prostitution

The main entrance to Cawang Urban Park in Kebon Pala, Makasar, East Jakarta, has been closed following allegations that it has become a location for same-sex prostitution. Two access points have been permanently sealed.

The closure was carried out by the East Jakarta Municipal Government in a coordinated effort with various agencies, including the District Horticulture and Urban Forestry Office. The initiative also involved the Kebon Pala Subdistrict Office and representatives of the three-pillar community structure, comprising the military assistance official (Babinsa) and community policing official (Bhabinkamtibmas) of Kebon Pala Subdistrict.

“Today we have attempted to permanently close two access points through concrete sealing, in cooperation with the District Horticulture and Urban Forestry Office,” said Makasar District Head Dimas Prayudi at Cawang Urban Park on Friday (27 February 2026), as reported by Antara.

Dimas disclosed information regarding the misuse of the park’s function. He stated that joint officers discovered gaps in the fence that residents frequently used to enter the park area unofficially.

“We are attempting to reduce the impact of social insecurity at the park location in Kebon Pala Subdistrict, Makasar District, due to several reports and public concerns regarding the misuse of the park’s function at this location,” Dimas explained.

The unauthorised access gaps were then sealed through welding. The welding was performed after the gaps were discovered.

“Today we have attempted to seal these gaps because there are indeed several resident activities using them to enter the park area,” Dimas said.

According to him, the park has been suspected of misuse by certain parties on multiple occasions. He stated that the subdistrict office, working with relevant agencies, has been implementing preventive measures to ensure the park functions as intended.

“What we are doing today is preventive in nature to reduce the negative impact. Most importantly, this is our collective responsibility to maintain the park,” Dimas emphasised.

“Our hope is that residents, particularly in East Jakarta, can use the park in accordance with its function. If there are negative actions or misuse, we want that to be reduced,” he added.

Discovery of Contraceptive Items

Dimas noted that authorities also discovered several contraceptive items at the location. These findings were made following a clean-up operation.

“Condoms were found inside the park. We are uncertain of their purpose, but this is a serious matter of concern for us,” he explained.

According to him, Cawang Urban Park came under scrutiny after several condoms and alcoholic beverage bottles were discovered in the green space area. These findings raised concerns about alleged prostitution and other misuse of the park, inconsistent with its function as a public facility.

“So if anyone is engaging in negative actions or misuse of the park, our hope is that this can be reduced,” Dimas stated.