Governor Pramono Invites Public to Utilise Public Spaces for Exercise

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has invited the public to utilise public spaces to maintain fitness and health through exercise. He made the statement while reviewing the implementation of the Car-Free Day (HBKB) 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 during the fourth HBKB event in the H.R. Rasuna Said area. “This proves that Jakarta residents are increasingly keen on exercising. Through collaboration between the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Ministry of Health, we want to invite residents to make use of available public spaces so they can live healthier and more comfortably,” Pramono said. He explained that the Jakarta Provincial Government is responding positively to the strong public aspiration for the HBKB in the Kuningan area to be held regularly. The activity takes place every Sunday from 05:30 to 09:00 Western Indonesian Time, adjusted based on residents’ input, particularly to provide comfort for those attending places of worship in the vicinity. “Initially, residents proposed that it start at 05:30 until 09:00 because there is a place of worship in this area, and we fulfilled that request. Alhamdulillah, now there are no other requests except for the Car-Free Day in Kuningan to continue. This shows that people genuinely have a strong desire to live healthier lives,” Pram added. He noted that the comfort of residents while exercising in the Kuningan area is also supported by infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian paths that are now neater and more attractive. “Now from end to end, the pedestrian area is much tidier. In my opinion, this area is increasingly comfortable and can be enjoyed by the public for Car-Free Day,” Pram added. Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin appreciated the Jakarta Provincial Government’s consistency in providing safe and comfortable public spaces for exercise. According to him, regular physical activity directly contributes to increasing life expectancy. “The average life expectancy of Indonesians is currently around 74 years. By adopting an active lifestyle and exercising regularly, such as during this HBKB, we hope the quality of health of Jakarta residents will continue to improve so that life expectancy can reach more than 80 years, on par with developed countries,” Budi stated.