Jakarta Prepares International-Standard Skateboard and Roller Skating Facilities
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by
The Jakarta Youth and Sports Service (Dispora) continues to promote the development of roller skating and skateboarding sports as part of efforts to strengthen urban sports achievements.
We want comprehensive facilities, not piecemeal
Jakarta Dispora Head, Andri Yansyah said, roller skating has long been known as Jakarta's 'lumbung emas' at PON event, consistently winning over 10 medals in each competition.
Therefore, Governor Pramono Anung said that the roller skate facilities owned should be maintained and optimized for various athlete training activities.
500 Athletes Participate in Jakarta Disability Sports Week"The roller skating venue at Jakarta International Roller Track Arena (JIRTA), Sunter GOR, North Jakarta, is one of the nationally standard venues, and only two in Indonesia, one of which is in Papua," he explained.
To maintain and improve the achievements of roller skaters, they will strengthen facilities and organize international events, such as Jakarta Open International Rollerskate Speed Championship, which was attended by 1,300 participants.
"This event becomes an important momentum to increase riding hours and boost athletes' confidence toward higher achievements," he continued.
For skateboarding sports, currently the authorities are working with the Jakarta Parks and City Forest Agency to optimize several public areas, including the underpass of the Kalimalang area, to accommodate the public's interest in skateboarding and other urban sports.
"Despite there are several skateparks in public spaces, these facilities are still recreational and do not yet meet the specific standards for competitive sports," he continued.
Andri said that the skateboard facilities at the Ragunan Student Sports Training Center (PPOP) are still not up to international standards. Hence, the Dispora plans to build more complete and integrated facilities in the Jakarta Garden City (JGC) area, Cakung, which will become a training center for skateboard athletes aiming for a professional level.
With the availability of roller skate facilities and the construction of an internationally-class skateboard center, Jakarta is expected to become a driving force for urban sports in Indonesia.
"We want comprehensive facilities, not piecemeal. We will review everything so that Jakarta has an internationally standard skateboarding training center that can produce accomplished athletes," he said.
