Sports facilities under Jaktim flyover to become creative space for teenagers
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The East Jakarta City Government is building sports facilities in the form of a boxing ring and skateboard arena under the Pasar Rebo flyover, which has long been known as a hotspot for brawls, as an effort to redirect youth activities towards positive and creative pursuits.
“The establishment of the boxing ring and skateboard area under the Pasar Rebo flyover is a historic moment, perhaps, as this area has often seen many brawls,” said the Secretary of East Jakarta City, Eka Darmawan, in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, on Friday.
Eka explained that the Pasar Rebo flyover location in Susukan Ward, Ciracas, was deliberately chosen because it has a long history as a brawl-prone spot, particularly in the TB Simatupang Road area and around the underpass.
“Because this is perhaps a historic moment, the Pasar Rebo flyover which has often seen many brawls. Yes, brawls frequently occur in the TB Simatupang area and also this flyover,” Eka stated.
According to him, the construction of sports facilities at the site is not merely urban beautification but also part of a psychological approach to the youth who have previously been involved in street conflicts.
“That’s why we chose this place with a skateboard area and boxing ring, so they can be reminded that brawls are truly concerning for us. Thus, improvements are needed, especially in terms of the psychology of our children,” Eka clarified.
In addition, Eka mentioned that the sports facilities are being built to serve as a channel for the interests and talents of young people, while also reducing the potential for brawls in East Jakarta.
The programme emerged following coaching efforts by the East Jakarta City Government towards several youth groups.
He noted that East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin had previously gathered around nine youth gangs for socialisation, dialogue, and site visits for area improvements.
Currently, the progress of the sports area construction under the Pasar Rebo flyover has reached approximately 90 per cent.
What remains is the addition of murals and aesthetic elements containing social messages as well as programmes from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.
“Alhamdulillah, today it’s about 90 per cent complete. It just needs aesthetic enhancements and some murals for messages from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government programmes,” Eka said.
The construction of the facilities is being carried out through cross-agency coordination and using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds or non-APBD sources. All sports equipment, including the boxing ring, comes from CSR support.
In the future, the management of the area will be handled by Susukan Ward along with local communities. The government is also involving several former gang members to help maintain and ensure the success of the programme.
“The management will be by Susukan Ward and also monitoring and supervision. Because this equipment is from CSR, including the boxing ring, all the gear must be maintained and protected,” Eka stated.
Eka also observed high enthusiasm among the youth towards the facilities. Even some groups of teenagers who were previously often involved in brawls are now regularly attending boxing training.
The sports coaching also involves professional trainers from the Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) and other boxing communities.
Eka hopes that the area, previously synonymous with brawls, can transform into a space for positive activities and youth development.