Padel court dispute: legislator urges transparent permitting
Jakarta – A member of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament, Hardiyanto Kenneth, has stated that the proliferation of padel court development across residential areas in Jakarta must be accompanied by strict spatial planning regulations, transparent permitting, and protection of resident comfort.
“In principle, I support sports development, including padel. However, padel court development situated within residential environments must consider social and environmental impacts,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Sunday.
According to him, padel sports are currently popular and have become part of urban lifestyle. However, such facility development must not overlook public order, environmental comfort, and spatial planning regulations applicable in Jakarta Province.
The Commission C member of the Jakarta Provincial Parliament revealed that several resident complaints have been received through his social media channels, particularly regarding noise from gameplay extending into late evening hours. The sound of ball bounces, player shouts, and visitor activities are considered sufficiently disruptive, especially when activities occur after 20:00 WIB or even into the early morning.
Beyond noise concerns, Kenneth also highlighted traffic and parking impacts. He noted that many padel courts are built without adequate parking facilities, causing visitor vehicles to use surrounding roads. This situation is seen as disrupting resident traffic flow and potentially triggering social conflict.
“Do not allow business interests to sacrifice residents’ right to a quiet and comfortable environment. Local roads are not for commercial parking. If sufficient parking is not available, residents will certainly be affected. This must be prevented from the outset through technical assessments and strict requirements,” he stated.
Kenneth believes padel court development in established residential areas should be limited and could be considered for prohibition if it does not conform to spatial designations.
He urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen oversight and not issue permits arbitrarily.
As a solution, Kenneth advocates that every padel court development must meet additional requirements, including environmental approval through UKL/UPL (Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan) documents, traffic impact analysis, technical recommendations from the Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency, sound barrier standards and operational hour restrictions, and parking provision commensurate with visitor capacity.
Additionally, all general requirements for Building Permit Approval must still be fulfilled, such as applicant identity documentation, land ownership documentation, and technical planning drawings including architecture, structure with calculations, and mechanical and electrical installations.
Kenneth emphasised that clear and firm regulations are necessary so that padel sports development can proceed without causing public unrest.
“I want balance. Sports develop, the economy moves, but residents also feel safe, comfortable, and undisturbed. Government must be present to ensure rules are enforced,” he concluded.