South Jakarta Field Project Halted After Child Dies in Pit

A project to build a multifunctional field in Manggarai, South Jakarta, has been temporarily halted after a four-year-old child with the initial I died after falling into a pit at the site. The project is now under police investigation.

Manggarai Village Head M Arafat Dinsirat confirmed the suspension, stating the project was a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to prevent youth brawls in the area. “Yes, it has been stopped by the police for investigation purposes,” Arafat said on Wednesday (1/7/2026).

He explained the project, which began construction on 25 June, was intended to create a multifunctional field. “One of the facilities is a futsal pitch, to accommodate the children of Manggarai so they have a place for sports activities,” he said. The pit where the child fell was part of the construction work for installing support pillars.

Arafat noted that the construction area had been enclosed with zinc fencing. However, during the incident on Saturday (27/6), residents attempting to rescue the child broke through the barrier. “After the incident, the fencing was not repaired because the area was immediately sealed with a police line,” he added. The project was originally scheduled for completion in August 2026.