Governor Pramono Invites Public to Utilise Public Spaces for Exercise
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has invited residents to make use of public spaces to maintain fitness and health through exercise.
Pramono made the remarks while reviewing the implementation of Car-Free Day (HBKB) together with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in front of the Ministry of Health building on Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Setiabudi, South Jakarta, on Sunday.
According to Pramono, public enthusiasm was visibly high at the fourth edition of Car-Free Day held along Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said.
“This proves that Jakartans are increasingly fond of exercise. Through collaboration between the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Ministry of Health, we want to invite residents to make use of the available public spaces so they can live healthier and more comfortable lives,” said Pramono.
He explained that the Jakarta Provincial Government has responded positively to strong public aspirations for Car-Free Day in the Kuningan area to be held regularly.
The event takes place every week from 05:30 to 09:00 WIB, adjusted according to residents’ input, particularly to ensure comfort for those performing worship near the location.
“Initially, residents proposed that Car-Free Day run from 05:30 to 09:00 WIB because there are places of worship around this area, and we fulfilled that. Thank God, there are now no other requests apart from asking that the car-free day in Kuningan continue to be held. This shows that residents genuinely have a strong desire to live healthier lives,” said Pram.
He added that residents’ comfort while exercising in the Kuningan area is also supported by infrastructure improvements, including pavements that are now tidier and more attractive.
“Now from end to end, the pedestrian area is far neater. In my view, this area is increasingly comfortable and can be enjoyed by residents during car-free days,” Pram added.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi appreciated the Jakarta Provincial Government’s consistency in providing safe and comfortable public spaces for exercise.
According to him, regular physical activity contributes directly to increasing life expectancy.
“The average life expectancy of Indonesians is currently around 74 years. Through habituating an active lifestyle and exercising regularly, as at this Car-Free Day, we hope the health quality of Jakarta residents will continue to improve so that life expectancy can reach more than 80 years, on par with developed countries,” said Budi.