Street Running Events in Pakansari Facilitated by Local Government and Police
Street running races have become increasingly popular among young people during Ramadan in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Participants typically race barefoot along streets, competing to demonstrate their speed, whilst spectators—usually teenagers—cheer on their favourites from the roadside throughout the night.
The phenomenon has resurfaced during this year’s Ramadan in several Indonesian cities. However, to maintain the conducive atmosphere of Ramadan, various local governments and police forces, through regional leadership communication forums (Forkopimda), are now facilitating these activities officially rather than allowing them to operate illegally.
Examples include sanctioned events in Bogor Regency at Pakansari Stadium, Cakung in East Jakarta, and Pekanbaru, Riau, though unauthorised street running gatherings have continued in areas such as Ciputat (South Tangerang) and the Tangerang Regency Administrative Centre, resulting in police dispersal operations.
Pakansari, Bogor
The Bogor Regency Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) in West Java is facilitating organised street running activities at Pakansari Stadium as a means of channelling youth hobbies whilst preventing illegal activities that could disrupt public order during Ramadan.
Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto stated that the events are held every Sunday evening throughout Ramadan, drawing approximately 200 participants representing various districts in Bogor Regency. The competition is structured in stages, beginning with qualifying rounds, proceeding through knockout rounds, and concluding with finals scheduled for mid-Ramadan.
According to Wikha, providing an official arena ensures the sporting activity continues without disrupting public road users or community comfort. “We have provided space through Dashrun Bogor so running enthusiasts can pursue their hobby, but without blocking roads or disturbing the public,” he said.
Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto emphasised that maintaining order during Ramadan involves not only enforcement measures but also creating positive activity spaces for young people. Through this approach, the local government hopes to maintain a safe, orderly, and conducive atmosphere in Bogor Regency.
Cakung, East Jakarta
Police in Cakung District, East Jakarta, are facilitating street running races to minimise negative activities during Ramadan. “This is a remarkable initiative—a night running competition, as we know negative activities typically occur at night,” said East Jakarta Metro Police Commander Kombes Alfian Nurizzal on Saturday, 28 February.
The event, held on Friday, 27 February, was titled the Cak Affan Cup 2026 with the theme “Cakung Safe Ramadan Benefit Cup.” The commander highlighted that the competition demonstrates positive activities in Cakung that promote health and community bonding whilst maintaining safety, order, and control in the district.
Pekanbaru, Riau
In Riau, the provincial police headquarters and subordinate police units have similarly facilitated organised street running during Ramadan. Events have been held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening since early Ramadan, with one major event organised on Saturday, 28 February, on Thamrin Road in Pekanbaru, initiated by Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan.
The initiative redirects negative energy from illegal racing into structured 100-metre running competitions featuring 260 participants across male, female, and children’s categories. “This activity was pioneered by Riau Police headquarters. Since early Ramadan, we have launched this initiative to channel youth energy that was previously negative into positive outlets,” said Riau Police Traffic Director Kombes Jeki Rahmat Mustika.
Similar events have been organised by police units in Bengkalis, Indragiri Hulu, Dumai, Pelalawan, and Kuantan Singingi.
Street Running Dispersals in South Tangerang and Tangerang
Despite facilitation by local authorities and police in some areas, street running activities have been forcibly dispersed by police in others. Unauthorised events in South Tangerang and Tangerang Regency, Banten, were disbanded by authorities last week.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 25 February, Tangerang Police dispersed hundreds of youth engaged in street racing on M Atik Soerdia Road in Tigaraksa District, near the Tangerang Regency Administrative Centre. Video evidence showed the event occurred in front of Tigaraksa Town Square and had disrupted traffic flow before police intervention. Several participants were detained for questioning, item inspection, and mobile phone examination.
Tangerang Police Chief Kombes Pol Indra Waspada stated the dispersal was necessary as the activity posed risks to participants and other road users. “We dispersed it for the safety, comfort, and security of everyone,” he said. Despite not being a motorised vehicle race, the activity risked creating public safety and order disturbances. “We encourage society, particularly young people, to channel energy and hobbies into positive and organised activities,” he urged.
Similar dispersals occurred in Ciputat, South Tangerang, on Friday, 27 February.