GBK Sports Complex Asks for Exemption from PSBB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Sports Complex president director, Winarto, asked the Jakarta administration to grant an exemption by allowing the sport complex to remain open during the large-scale social restriction or PSBB. According to Winarto, the number of visitors will decrease even without the order of closure during this PSBB period.

Winarto said that the drop in visitors would allow operators to enforce the health protocols. "We prioritize community service. If we close it totally, they will protest because there is no place for exercising or jogging in a safe and comfortable place," said Winarto to Tempo on Monday, September 14, 2020.

Additionally, it would be problematic if people come when the sports complex is closed, Winarto said. GBK areas are also vast so that 50,000 visitors would not produce crowds, and the operators could maintain the physical distance. "People sometimes question why the area is closed when it is a public space," Winarto said.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said five sectors that must be closed during the PSBB period beginning September 14, 2020, include educational institutions, tourism areas, recreational parks, city parks, public sports facilities, and wedding receptions and seminars.

Winarto added that to adhere to the government’s decision, the GBK management would open Gate 5 for employees only to maintain the existing facilities and Gate 10 for the movement of vehicles.

IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)