Stadion Taman Sari Goes Dark After Maghrib, Residents Call for More Lights and CCTV

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Several residents have expressed concerns about the lack of lighting around Stadion Taman Sari in West Jakarta, especially as evening falls.

Residents hope additional lighting will be installed, particularly around the stadium’s exterior and entry points.

Adequate lighting is considered crucial if the stadium’s operating hours are extended into the night.

Andi Basan (42), a local resident near Stadion Taman Sari, said the stadium is quite comfortable to use during the day.

However, some areas start to darken as evening approaches.

“During the day, it’s actually pleasant. The field is clearly visible and many people come. But once it gets to evening, some parts become dark because the lighting is insufficient,” Andi told Kompas.com at the location on Saturday (19/9/2026).

He noted that lighting around the building and stadium entrances also needs attention.

“Especially around the building and entrances, some lights aren’t very bright. In my opinion, they should be fixed and more lights added so that residents who exercise or just pass by at night feel more comfortable,” he added.

Another resident, Rina (35), shared similar views, saying most of the nighttime light around the stadium comes from nearby buildings and shops.

“At night, the atmosphere is quite dark. The only lights mostly come from buildings or shophouses near the stadium,” Rina said.

Rina mentioned that Stadion Taman Sari currently operates only until 6 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

“It’s already dark after Maghrib (sunset prayers). Hopefully, they’ll add lights at some very dark points,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dedi (50), another local, hopes the stadium’s operating hours can be extended.

He believes that with longer hours, facilities like lighting could be improved as well.

“It’s not just the field that should be taken care of but also the outside areas and entry paths. At night, if people come or residents pass by, they shouldn’t have to walk through dark areas,” he said.

Separately, Vicky, Coordinator of Stadion Taman Sari’s Facilities, confirmed the management is currently collecting public input about plans to extend the stadium’s operating hours.

According to Vicky, lighting is one of the facility needs if the stadium remains open later into the night.

“Since I started, I’ve received suggestions and feedback. Now I’m in the process of distributing questionnaires to the community about the importance or urgency of extending Stadion Taman Sari’s operating hours,” Vicky said.

She said about 180 respondents have filled out the questionnaire so far.

“I plan to prepare a study based on this data as a report to the leadership, showing there is public enthusiasm to open the stadium for longer hours,” she explained.

Vicky said the study aims to support the DKI Jakarta Youth and Sports Office (Dispora) in planning related to Stadion Taman Sari.

“We, as frontline staff, try to provide evidence showing the enthusiasm of the community. This will be part of our official report,” she said.

She added that longer operational hours would allow residents who only have free time after work to use the stadium for exercise.

“Our personal hope is that Stadion Taman Sari can increase its operating hours so that those who typically can only come after Maghrib have a chance to exercise,” she said.

Vicky explained that with extended hours, supportive facilities would also need to be planned accordingly.

“When operating hours are extended, supporting facilities must be improved as well. The questionnaire also asks about additional needs; security aspects like CCTV, lighting, these are definite requirements,” she said.

“Our efforts start from the community’s enthusiasm to extend operating hours. Naturally, facilities and infrastructure need to increase as well if nighttime use grows,” she added.

However, the study has not yet been submitted to Dispora DKI Jakarta.

“Not yet, this is still in progress. This is a project delegated to me by Mr. Indra. I hope to complete the study within a month so it can be submitted or presented to the agency,” Vicky said.

She also mentioned that the stadium’s current facilities still require some improvements.

“So far, maintenance has mostly focused on the field, such as watering and grass repairs,” she said.

“Because of rain and weather, the field needs extra care,” she added.

Vicky said the management is now beginning to inventory the stadium’s facilities to identify maintenance needs.

“We’re starting to record what facilities are lacking, like pumps and other equipment. Since I’m new here, I’m trying to optimize what I can do during this first month,” she said.