Legislator urges DKI Citata Agency not to act hastily in regulating padel courts

Jakarta (ANTARA) - NasDem faction member of the Jakarta DPRD, Ongen Sangaji, has urged the DKI Jakarta Cipta Karya, Tata Ruang, and Pertanahan Agency (Citata), including district heads and village heads, not to act rashly in issuing policies regarding the regulation of padel courts in the capital. “I ask that you do not overdo it by issuing circular letters, especially with threats from district heads to demolish padel courts that have already been built,” Ongen said in Jakarta on Friday. According to him, out of a total of around 450 padel courts in Jakarta, only a handful are problematic, so the issue does not need to be generalised. Ongen also highlighted technical regulations that he deems unrealistic in practice, including the requirement for a 160-metre distance from settlements or location on roads with certain zone widths. He said the land conditions in Jakarta do not allow for compliance with those rules. “If we follow those rules, it is clear that none comply. This must be material for more judicious correction,” Ongen stated. As a solution, he encourages a more proportional approach, including restrictions on operating hours if the presence of the courts has community approval and is equipped with parking facilities. On the other hand, Ongen views padel sports as bringing positive impacts, especially for young people. The activity is also seen as capable of diverting the younger generation from negative behaviours. Based on the rules that have been made and approved by DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, there are at least five requirements for the operation of padel courts. First, operating hours regulations. Pramono Anung strictly limits the operation of padel courts in residential zones to a maximum of 8:00 PM WIB. The second rule is the prohibition on establishing padel courts in residential areas. The DKI Provincial Government encourages padel courts to be built in commercial areas. The third rule is that before establishing a padel court, permission must first be obtained from the DKI Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency. The fourth rule is that padel court managers must have parking land, and the fifth rule is that managers must hold a Building Construction Approval Letter (PBG).