Jakarta Car Free Day Quieter During First Week of Ramadan, but Residents Remain Enthusiastic About Exercise
The car free day (CFD) at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta was quieter than usual during the first week of Ramadan, with a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere.
Observations at the location on Sunday (22/2/2026) at 08:25 local time showed that the streets along the CFD route at the HI roundabout were less crowded. Residents were still running, cycling and walking leisurely, and appeared to have more space for their activities.
The weather was overcast with light drizzle. Nevertheless, this did not dampen residents' enthusiasm for exercising at the CFD.
A local resident, Abdul Faris (17), said the atmosphere at the CFD was quieter this morning. He felt the subdued conditions made it more comfortable.
"On the first day of Ramadan CFD, thankfully the weather is gloomy and it's quiet, not crowded. When it's crowded, I find it dizzying — you have to zigzag while running. This is nice and clear. The air is also pleasant," Faris said at the location on Sunday (22/2/2026).
Despite observing the Ramadan fast, Faris said he regularly exercises at the CFD. He has specific methods and timing for exercising during the fasting month.
"If you want tips for running during Ramadan, either go right after the pre-dawn meal or just before breaking the fast. We started at 6 this morning," he said.
Another visitor, Rashan, said he and his wife had come to take a walk and also to obtain free public transport cards. He noted that the CFD was quieter than expected this morning.
"Actually, our main purpose was to get disability cards printed, so we came through here and got some exercise in as well," Rashan said.
Meanwhile, Ade (33), another resident exercising at the CFD, said he had started running at around 06:30 local time. His route took him from Gelora Bung Karno to the HI roundabout.
"I still run. The activities are the same, I just reduce the intensity," Ade said.
Ade added that exercising at the HI roundabout during Ramadan was more enjoyable. He said the quieter atmosphere allowed for greater freedom of movement.
"Today it happens to be raining, and the CFD is pollution-free, so it really helps us running in the morning during Ramadan," he said.
Observations at the location on Sunday (22/2/2026) at 08:25 local time showed that the streets along the CFD route at the HI roundabout were less crowded. Residents were still running, cycling and walking leisurely, and appeared to have more space for their activities.
The weather was overcast with light drizzle. Nevertheless, this did not dampen residents' enthusiasm for exercising at the CFD.
A local resident, Abdul Faris (17), said the atmosphere at the CFD was quieter this morning. He felt the subdued conditions made it more comfortable.
"On the first day of Ramadan CFD, thankfully the weather is gloomy and it's quiet, not crowded. When it's crowded, I find it dizzying — you have to zigzag while running. This is nice and clear. The air is also pleasant," Faris said at the location on Sunday (22/2/2026).
Despite observing the Ramadan fast, Faris said he regularly exercises at the CFD. He has specific methods and timing for exercising during the fasting month.
"If you want tips for running during Ramadan, either go right after the pre-dawn meal or just before breaking the fast. We started at 6 this morning," he said.
Another visitor, Rashan, said he and his wife had come to take a walk and also to obtain free public transport cards. He noted that the CFD was quieter than expected this morning.
"Actually, our main purpose was to get disability cards printed, so we came through here and got some exercise in as well," Rashan said.
Meanwhile, Ade (33), another resident exercising at the CFD, said he had started running at around 06:30 local time. His route took him from Gelora Bung Karno to the HI roundabout.
"I still run. The activities are the same, I just reduce the intensity," Ade said.
Ade added that exercising at the HI roundabout during Ramadan was more enjoyable. He said the quieter atmosphere allowed for greater freedom of movement.
"Today it happens to be raining, and the CFD is pollution-free, so it really helps us running in the morning during Ramadan," he said.