Local Authorities and Police Facilitate Street Running Races from Pakansari to Cakung
Street running races have grown popular among young people during Ramadan in recent years, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Participants engage in barefoot foot races on public roads, competing to determine the fastest runner, whilst spectators—typically teenagers—line the streets cheering for their favourites. To maintain peace and order during this year’s Ramadan, several Indonesian regional governments and their coordinating forums (Forkopimda) have adopted a facilitation approach rather than purely prohibitive measures.
Bogor, West Java
The Bogor Regency Forkopimda has facilitated organised running events at Pakansari Stadium as part of efforts to channel youth hobbies whilst preventing disruptive illegal activities during Ramadan. Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto stated that races are held every Sunday evening throughout Ramadan, involving approximately 200 runners representing various districts across Bogor Regency. The events are structured as staged competitions, progressing from elimination rounds to knockout rounds and finals, scheduled to run through mid-Ramadan.
“We have facilitated running races. Every Sunday evening in the Pakansari area, we have about 200 runners from representatives of all districts,” Wikha explained. He noted that the official arena ensures the sporting activity continues without disrupting public roads or inconveniencing residents.
Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto emphasised that maintaining order during Ramadan extends beyond enforcement, requiring provision of positive activities for young people. Through this approach-based policy, the local government hopes to keep Bogor’s Ramadan atmosphere safe, orderly, and conducive.
East Jakarta
Police in Cakung District, East Jakarta, have facilitated street running races to minimise negative activities during Ramadan. East Jakarta Metro Police Commander Kombes Alfian Nurizzal described the initiative as remarkable, noting that evening hours typically see negative activities.
“This is an exceptional initiative—a night running competition at a time when negative things usually happen,” he stated. The race, held on Friday, 27 February, was titled the Cak Affan Cup 2026 with the theme “Cakung Safe Beneficial Ramadan Cup.”
“In this holy month, we provide concrete evidence of positive activities in Cakung—a night running race promoting health and unity,” Nurizzal explained, emphasising the aim of keeping the district safe, orderly, and controlled.
Pekanbaru, Riau
Riau Police have similarly facilitated organised street running races during Ramadan, held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening. The initiative, launched by Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan, includes a 100-metre competitive running format transforming previously negative street racing into healthy, directed competition. A 28 February event on Jalan Thamrin attracted 260 participants across male, female, and children’s categories.
“This activity, pioneered by Riau Police, began at Ramadan’s start to channel young people’s energy from negative pursuits into positive ones,” said Riau Traffic Division Commander Kombes Jeki Rahmat Mustika. Similar organised races have been held by subordinate police units across Bengkalis, Indragiri Hulu, Dumai, Pelalawan, and Kuantan Singingi districts.
Dispersal of races in Tangerang Selatan and Tangerang
Despite official facilitation in some areas, unauthorised street racing has been forcibly dispersed by police in other regions. In early morning hours on 25 February, Tangerang Police forcibly dispersed hundreds of youths holding a street race on Jalan M Atik Soerdia in Tigaraksa District, near the Tangerang Regency Government Centre (Puspemkab). The race, held in front of the Tigaraksa Town Square, disrupted traffic until police intervention. Some participants were detained for interrogation and inspection of their belongings and mobile phones.
Tangerang Police Chief Kombes Pol Indra Waspada stated that the dispersal was necessary because the activity posed potential danger to participants and other road users. “We dispersed it for the safety, comfort, and security of all,” he said, noting that even non-motorised races carry risks of public security and order disturbances.
“We urge the community, especially young people, to channel energy and hobbies into positive and organised activities,” he emphasised. Similar dispersals occurred in Ciputat, Tangerang Selatan.