Residents discover makeshift play and social space above Kalibata Flyover

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The evening sky above Kalibata Flyover in South Jakarta on Friday (22/5/2026) was filled with dozens of kites soaring high. On the flyover, residents crowded its sides to play, watch, or simply gather to enjoy the evening. Not in open fields or city parks, this road infrastructure has instead been repurposed as an impromptu recreational space for locals. Amidst Jakarta’s rapid development, residents have found their own way to create both play and social spaces. A lively atmosphere filled the air each time a kite broke during mid-air duels. Spontaneous shouts erupted from the crowd as children ran after kites swept by the wind towards nearby residential areas. On the other side, kite vendors took advantage of the crowd by hanging their wares on the bridge’s guardrails, protected by plastic sheeting. A line of residents’ motorcycles parked on the roadside further narrowed the traffic lanes. This contrasts with the slow-moving traffic on the flyover itself. For many residents, Kalibata Flyover is no longer just a connection between areas. It is slowly transforming into a lively informal social space each evening. Ivan, 19, a kite flyer, said he visits the flyover almost daily when the weather permits. ‘I’ve been coming here regularly for about a year. Now it’s almost every evening when the weather’s good,’ Ivan told Kompas.com on Friday. He said the lack of open spaces in surrounding residential areas is the main reason residents choose the flyover as a play area. The phenomenon highlights how traditional games persist despite digital entertainment’s dominance. For teenagers, kite flying is not just a game but a medium for gathering and building social interactions. ‘Rather than hanging out aimlessly or being on my phone all the time, it’s better to come here in the evenings. You also meet new people,’ Ivan added. Raffi, 16, a student who visits Kalibata Flyover almost every weekend with friends, echoed similar sentiments. He acknowledged the risks of flying kites on a road area, noting he had seen motorcyclists nearly get tangled in kite strings. ‘I’ve seen motorcycles almost get caught in kite strings. That’s why I now use regular string and stay away from the road,’ he said. Amidst the bustle, many parents accompanied their children, with some even flying kites themselves. Joanda, 42, said the simple activity was an affordable way to spend quality time with family. ‘For me, it’s a cheap way to have quality time with my family. Instead of the kids being glued to gadgets at home,’ Joanda said. He added that the flyover has become an unofficial gathering space for residents, with many families coming just to relax and watch kites flutter in the evening. However, Joanda remains concerned about safety, especially for children so engrossed in play they overlook passing vehicles. ‘I always remind them not to run into the middle of the road,’ he said. Eja, 34, a resident who regularly brings his child to fly kites at the flyover on weekends, shared similar views. ‘It’s very crowded. Many vendors make the atmosphere lively. There are drinks, snacks, and kites for sale. It’s like a pop-up recreation spot for residents,’ Eja said.