Groups of Men Visiting Cawang City Forest at Night Lead to Access Closure
JAKARTA - A video circulating on social media showed a group of men entering the Cawang City Forest area on Jalan DI Panjaitan, Kebon Pala, Makasar, East Jakarta. In the video uploaded by Instagram account @ijoeel, the recorder noted that the forest area is frequently visited by men at night. “I’m not sure why men gather here at night. I don’t know what their intentions are,” said the video recorder.
Cawang City Forest has previously drawn attention. In 2023, the area was raided by authorities following suspicions of indecent conduct occurring there.
Following allegations of misuse of the location for indecent activities at night, the East Jakarta City Government has permanently closed two access points to Cawang City Forest. The closure was carried out through concrete sealing at points identified as vulnerable to restrict entry and exit.
Makasar District Head Dimas Prayudi said the measure was taken together with the East Jakarta Parks and City Forest Branch Office (Sudin). Dimas stated that officers from the Parks and City Forest Branch discovered several contraceptive devices within the Cawang City Forest area whilst closing the two access points.
“Inside, we found some contraceptive devices. We’re not sure what they were used for,” Dimas explained.
Dimas urged the public to use the Cawang City Forest appropriately. “We hope everyone will help maintain this park so it can be used for positive activities,” he said.
In addition to closing access, the East Jakarta City Government will also increase lighting in the area. Dimas explained that this measure was taken to reduce potential security risks in the Cawang area and surrounding regions, particularly at night.
Beyond access closure, the East Jakarta City Government will also conduct joint patrols in the Cawang City Forest area. Patrols will involve civil police (Satpol PP), police, and military personnel. “Tonight we will conduct operations with Satpol PP and the three pillars together with police and military district commands. Operations begin at 21:00. The Parks Branch will also station officers at the location to monitor community activities and identify any suspected misuse of the park,” he said.