More Than Just a Playground
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government continues to strengthen the role of Child-Friendly Integrated Public Spaces (RPTRA) to provide broader benefits for the community. Their existence is now not merely a means for children to play and interact, but is also being promoted as a centre for citizen empowerment.
Governor of DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung explained that the provision of children’s play facilities serves as a platform for social interaction to enjoy green open spaces (RTH). Therefore, the quality and comfort of park facilities must be continuously maintained.
So far, RPTRA have been deemed successful in becoming safe and comfortable spaces for children to play, learn, and socialise. "With the existence of RPTRA, the quality of life for the community, especially children, can improve through positive and beneficial activities," said Pramono.
Currently, Jakarta has 324 RPTRA spread across 44 sub-districts and 173 urban wards. This figure has exceeded the initial target of 267 RPTRA.
Head of the DKI Jakarta Office of Community Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (DPPAPP), Dwi Oktavia Handayani, stated that RPTRA have great potential to support various community development programmes. This potential includes child protection, family empowerment, improving health standards, and strengthening the local economy.
"Various activities in RPTRA can be maximised to support community development through the collaboration of various programmes," said Dwi.
One form of this strengthening is visible at RPTRA Tunas Muda in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. At this location, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government collaborated with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and the private sector to create a public space that supports child development in the digital era.
The RPTRA is equipped with reading books, educational games, and digital literacy facilities. This initiative is designed to guide children to build healthy and responsible technology usage habits.
Dwi assessed that play spaces have a much broader meaning than just recreational facilities. These areas become places for children to learn, hone creativity, shape character, and strengthen social skills.
The strengthening of the RPTRA’s role also goes hand in hand with the expansion of the city’s green areas. Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno revealed that the area of green open space in the capital has now reached 3,703.56 hectares, or 5.59 percent of the total area. This figure has increased compared to the 2024 achievement, which was recorded at 3,446 hectares (5.3 percent).
"The increase in the percentage of green open space was achieved through the construction of 15 park RTH locations, one green belt RTH location, three forest RTH locations, and one cemetery RTH location with 7,627 potential new burial plots," said Rano.
Furthermore, Rano conveyed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also strengthening the ecological function of parks through the addition of water catchment areas. The construction of water reservoirs, such as Embung Lapangan Merah in South Jakarta and Waduk Giri Kencana in East Jakarta, was introduced to control rainwater runoff while supporting sustainable urban environmental management.
The real benefits of city park management are felt directly by the community. At Taman Bendera Pusaka in South Jakarta, the green open space is no longer seen as merely a complement to urban aesthetics, but has transformed into a breathing space as well as an affordable alternative tourist destination.
Agung Rahmatsyah, a resident of Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, admitted that he regularly spends weekend time with his wife and toddler at the park. According to Agung, the new face of the integrated park has become the primary choice for recreation without having to face traffic jams heading out of town or crowding in shopping centres.
"The park, which has now been revitalised, is nicer and more comfortable for spending time on the weekend," he said.
For young families like Agung’s, comfortable and affordable public open spaces are an increasingly urgent need. Simply by paying a vehicle parking fee and bringing supplies from home, residents can enjoy a beautiful evening atmosphere in the heart of the city.