Residents of a Jakarta neighborhood are taking their complaints about noise and traffic to court after a padel facility was built nearby. The dispute highlights growing tensions between residential quality of life and the increasing popularity of the sport in the Indonesian capital.
The legal action, filed with the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN), centers on allegations that the padel court is operating as a commercial enterprise despite initial assurances it would be for private apply. The facility was constructed on the site of two demolished homes around June 2024.
Mutia, a 45-year-ancient resident of Pulomas, East Jakarta, explained that the community initially had no objections to the construction, believing it would be a private tennis court. “At first, we thought it was for a private tennis court, as the owner’s house is behind there. So, we didn’t mind. But then, at the end of October, it started getting busy, with flower arrangements and lots of cars. That’s when we found out it was commercial,” she said.
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According to residents, the padel court operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with two courts in constant use. They estimate that more than 100 vehicles access the facility each day, contributing to traffic congestion on the neighborhood’s single access road.
“Imagine, 16 hours of operation, two courts. More than 100 cars enter and exit each day. We all use the same entrance, everyone has to pass in front of our houses,” Mutia stated.
Residents have repeatedly attempted mediation with the padel court’s management, requesting reduced operating hours, soundproofing measures, and restrictions on parking within the residential complex. However, they claim these requests have largely gone unheeded.
“We just asked for reduced hours, to make it more soundproof so it’s not noisy, and for parking outside the gate. But so far, there have been no significant changes,” Mutia said.
Beyond the noise from gameplay, residents have also complained about events held at the facility that continue late into the night. They also allege that unauthorized activities, such as a bazaar and vehicle testing, have taken place on the property without their knowledge.
“This is a residential area. Children play, people arrive, and go. Suddenly it’s crowded, cars are speeding. We just want to live peacefully in our own homes,” Mutia added.
Residents say they have voiced their concerns to local authorities, from neighborhood officials to city departments, but the padel court’s activities have continued. They pursued various avenues for complaint, including the JAKI application and letters to City Hall, before ultimately filing a lawsuit with the PTUN.
“We tried reporting through JAKI. Initially, the response said no building permit (PBG) and business identification number (NIB) were found. But two days later, we were told the permits existed. We became confused,” Mutia explained.
Dissatisfied with that response, residents sent letters to several agencies, including the One-Stop Integrated Service Center (PTSP), relevant departments, and City Hall. They obtained copies of the permit documents, which they say revealed discrepancies.
“When we studied the documents, the building area listed on the PBG did not match the actual conditions on the ground. That’s our question,” she said.
Residents then visited various government offices seeking clarification and also appealed to the Jakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) and the Ombudsman. However, they say they have not received a concrete solution.
“We have mediated several times. Our hope is for action in accordance with the rules, not just more mediation,” Mutia concluded.
