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Revamped Sumenep Park provides new place for people to get fit
Brand new: The Jakarta administration has completed its Rp 4 billion (US$285,714) renovation of Taman Sumenep, a public park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, that included the installation of fitness equipment and a suspension bridge
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rand new: The Jakarta administration has completed its Rp 4 billion (US$285,714) renovation of Taman Sumenep, a public park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, that included the installation of fitness equipment and a suspension bridge.(JP/Galih Gumelar)
Taman Sumenep, a public park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, is ready to be enjoyed by Jakartans after the administration concluded a four-month extensive renovation of the park in February.
During The Jakarta Post’s visit on Feb. 20, a new “Sumenep Promenade” sign had been installed at the main entrance to the park. Jogging tracks and two sets of fitness equipment could also be found at the center of the park.
“Basically, as the renovation of the park is finished, visitors can enjoy the park starting from this month,” Mila Ananda, the Central Jakarta Park and Forestry Agency head, told the Post.“We are not going to restrict visitors from using the many facilities at the park, as they’re for everyone to enjoy,” she added.
Situated among a grove of high-rise buildings, the 4,000 square meter Sumenep Park stretches alongside Jl. Sumenep — from which the park takes its name — with the main entrance located at the intersection of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Sumenep.
The renovation, which began in October, gave the park a jogging track that stretches from its entrance to the other end of the park. Several pieces of fitness equipment, such as a knee-raise station and a preacher curl machine, like those installed in Ayodya Park and Tebet Park in South Jakarta, can also be found in the workout area.
In addition to exercise facilities, the park is also equipped with a suspension bridge that crosses the canal separating Jl. Sumenep and Jl. Purworejo. However, visitors will need to wait a little longer before setting foot on the bridge as it is still under construction.
“We also hope that these facilities can be used by Jakartans during the car-free days held on weekends on Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin [major roads located near the park],” she said.
Mila expressed satisfaction with the park’s new picturesque look, adding that it now looked very different compared to before the renovations began.
Prior to the renovation, the park had largely been abandoned, with the landscaping not maintained and trash scattered all around. There was also a lack of lighting, meaning the park was unusable for the public at night. Three huts had also been built in the park that were used by sex workers in the area.
While stressing that the administration did not wish to drive the sex workers away, Mila said the huts had prevented the public from using the space.
“We just want the public to be comfortable using the park, so that’s why we decided to renovate it,” she said, adding that the administration had spent Rp 4 billion (US$285,714) on the renovation project.
The administration’s efforts to rejuvenate the park have received appreciation from members of the public, who said they were delighted with the park’s new look and planned to spend more time there.
Carolina Hardiman, a 28-year-old banker living in Dukuh Atas, said she had avoided walking through the park on her way home from her office on Jl. Sudirman at night because she was worried about crime.
“But now that lights have been installed in the park, I feel safe walking through the park again. I might also consider visiting the park when I have spare time to use the fitness equipment,” Carolina said.
Riza Satria, a 31-year-old auditor, said he had only just heard about the park, even though it is located around 300 meters from his office on Jl. Sudirman. He also said he planned to check out the exercise equipment.
“I can probably use the park when I feel too lazy to workout at the gym after work. As long as it is safe, I might visit the park more frequently,” Riza said.
Muhammad Wahyudien, a Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officer who guards the park, said the park was safe for everyone, as his agency had deployed personnel to watch over it 24 hours a day.
“Of course we will keep our eyes on the visitors without any exception. Moreover, we also advise visitors to ask for our help whenever they feel unsafe in the park,” Wahyudien said. (glh)
