Exploring Taman Sari Stadium's Brazilian 'Vibe,' Now a Favorite Backdrop for Youth Photos

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - From the outside, Taman Sari Stadium on Jalan Mangga Besar VI Selatan in West Jakarta looks like any ordinary football field.

But that impression changes the moment you step through its entrance, evoking the feel of a football pitch in Brazil.

Kompas.com visited Taman Sari Stadium on Saturday (19/9/2026). Near the entrance, an old sign stands.

Its paint is fading, and some of the metal parts show rust.

The inscription "Stadion Taman Sari" is still legible, complete with the Jaya Raya emblem, indicating the facility belongs to the Jakarta Provincial Government under the Youth and Sports Office (Dispora) of DKI Jakarta.

As you walk further inside, the unique character that sets this stadium apart becomes evident.

Taman Sari Stadium is not a grand venue with modern architecture.

At the center lies a roughly one-hectare football field.

The field is tightly surrounded by rows of buildings, mostly shophouses.

The walls appear worn, with peeling paint — a sign of weather wear over time.

At a glance, the atmosphere resembles a football pitch nestled within a dense Brazilian neighborhood.

The football field itself looks dry, with yellowing grass, likely due to the recent intense heatwave affecting the capital.

The white lines on the field are faint but still usable for play.

Several football tournament banners hang on the fence.

This indicates that despite its aged appearance, the facility remains a trusted spot for local residents to engage in sports activities.

On one side of the field is an open spectator stand.

The stand is simple: a series of long concrete benches without backrests serve as seating.

The benches are a light cream color, while the top is sheltered by a corrugated metal roof.

The steel framework is aged and rusting.