Skating the day away: Rad Supersonic community members skate in the west plaza of Gelora Bung Karno sports complex.

A nod to the legacy of the 1980s and 1990s, roller skates were seen gliding along public places in Jakarta, namely the west plaza of Gelora Bung Karno sports complex and Blok M Mall, both in South Jakarta.

Back in its heyday, roller skates were preferred for exercise as well as entertainment, especially with the existence of some roller discos in Jakarta and West Java’s Bandung. As time passed, however, roller discos in both cities lost popularity.

But this sporting activity has made a comeback in Jakarta, with dedicated communities forming.

Members of Rad Supersonic, a roller skating community formed in November 2018, usually gather every Tuesday and Thursday to skate together at Blok M Mall and the west plaza of Gelora Bung Karno sports complex.

“We usually meet after work,” Marina Tasha, the founder of Rad Supersonic who started skating in elementary school, told The Jakarta Post.

She went on to say that there is actually no membership fee to join Rad Supersonic. Those who want to skate along can join and set a skating date.

Marina, affectionately called Acha, said that she was not that keen on doing regular exercises. But when she skates, she feels as if she just play around while working up a sweat.

Good things come in four wheels: Roller skates, which trended in Jakarta in the 1980s and 1990s, have become popular again. A good pair can cost Rp 2 million (US$ 134.31) to tens of millions.

“I don’t feel exhausted but I end up in a good sweat after skating,” said Acha, who conducts roller skating classes in Blok M Mall.

Meanwhile, Puti Radjab, who often skates with Rad Supersonic, is thrilled to skate with the community.

“It’s really fun, as we exercise and make new friends at the same time,” Puti, who also enjoyed roller skating as a child, told the Post.

Unfortunately, as COVID-19 takes over the world, roller skating dates must come to a temporary halt. Rad Supersonic personnel, similar to other community members in the world, stay in touch through video conference platforms.

Gearing up: Puti Radjab (left) and a friend put on knee pads before skating at Gelora Bung Karno sport complex.

Gravity-defying: A Rad Supersonic community member performs a trick at Gelora Bung Karno sports complex.

Keep calm and skate on: The Rad Supersonic community usually meets at Blok M Mall and the west plaza of Gelora Bung Karno sports complex every Tuesday and Thursday.

Text and Photos JP/Arief Suhardiman