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here is no doubt that residents of Jakarta love spending their weekends in malls, shopping and watching movies. However, nothing beats a relaxed day at the park away from the hustle and bustle.

Jakarta is blessed with a number of green parks. But, do Jakartans prefer parks over modern forms of outdoor activities? A few expats and local residents were asked about their favorite outdoor locations in the city.

Anushka Onkar, an expat living in South Jakarta told The Jakarta Post: “My go-to location for relaxation in Jakarta is usually Ancol. The beach side is less polluted and cooler than the city.”

When asked about public parks, she immediately replied, “Oh yes, Taman Suropati in Menteng is my favorite park. I often go there with my family for a walk. The greenery is captivating, not to mention the unique statues of ASEAN members.”

Taman Suropati is the oldest public park in Jakarta, and is named after a national hero, Untung Suropati. Despite the heat and pollution, this park remains a popular weekend destination for family picnics.

Rifky Spector, a fitness enthusiast from West Jakarta, shared a different story.

“My favorite outdoor activities are jogging and soccer. I go to Taman Cattleya, the air there is fresher than any other park.”

Taman Cattleya in Slipi, West Jakarta, is known for its smooth jogging tracks and vivid biodiversity. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, and for families who want their young children to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature.

Jakarta’s public parks often play host to a number of group activities such as yoga and zumba, which are usually open for anyone to join.

“I use the National Monument Park [Monas] to exercise early morning. There are many activities in the park every day from 4 a.m. onward,” said Sheila Yovita, a regular visitor to the park.

The mangrove forest at Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta, Taman Situ Lembang in Central Jakarta and Taman Gandaria Tengah in South Jakarta are among other popular parks that Jakartans enjoy.

One of the advantages of choosing a public park as a weekend getaway is that entry is free and they are usually open 24 hours, giving visitors the flexibility of time and comfort.

They are lively and a great destination for families to socialize and catch up on precious time spent together. Moreover, the health benefits of exercising in the surroundings of a park are numerous.

However, some Jakartans were not enthusiastic about the idea of spending time off at the park.

“I prefer going out to malls or restaurants with family and friends on weekends. Parks in Jakarta are too crowded and dusty. So, I never even think of going there,” said Ricky, who works in West Jakarta.

Bridget Desty Alexander, also a resident of West Jakarta, expressed her concern over the lack of advertising and information about public parks.

“I have been to many parks here, but I feel that not many people know about them, especially expats. They know about Bogor but it is very far,” she said.

All in all, public parks still remain a popular weekend destination for Jakartans.

They cater to people who enjoy relaxing in the lap of nature, and those who enjoy exercising in fresh surroundings.

Though locals thoroughly relish such a visit, some expats are still unaware of the public parks in Jakarta.

Mark Blackwell and Jay Nichvolodov, two expats living in Jakarta, simply reacted, “Parks? What parks?.”

— The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post