Checking Out: Kalijodo X Park (and How It Was Like Before)
Everyone, this is Kalijodo X Park!
One of the latest places filled with positive energy in Jakarta!
If I were asked, ‘So, what makes this place such an amazing achievement for the city of Jakarta?’
Here’s my answer:
1. Previously this whole area was a famous red light district that NO government officials dared to close down, … not until AHOK became Jakarta’s governor, that is.
2. This place is FREE for all to enjoy
3. This area is still being developed, and there’ll be MORE facilities in the area!
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Before I show you what it looks like now, check out what it looked like BEFORE.
(3 photos below were taken from the internet)
[Prostitution, liquor and mafia – common words previously associated with this area. Families live here]
[Police force during the knocking down of the area]
[Everything was flat to the ground. Those with Jakarta ID card were relocated to government-owned flats]
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This is what it looks now!
We got there at 3.45pm, the place got more and more crowded over time!
As I watched the stunts, swerves, jumps and falls around me, one of the things that crossed my mind was:
Where did all these daredevils go to learn and practice before this skatepark was built?
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Anyway, when I was there, I chit-chatted with some of the locals.
You know what they said?
– I live nearby, and THIS DEVELOPMENT IS SO GOOD! This is Ahok’s idea! I love seeing the youth here. They can channel their energy and play! This is also FREE! This is better than seeing them in their room, drinking liquor!
…
This is better than seeing them in their room, drinking liquor!– I’m a muslim, I live nearby. I believe, the leader in a family is the husband, the leader in the mosque is the ulama. When it comes to a country, it is DIFFERENT. The leader of a country does NOT need to be a Muslim. Ahok is not the leader of my religion. It is so cruel of those people who scream out ‘Hang Ahok!’ and ‘Put Ahok in prison’. It’s all because of politics!
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– I know I am poor. I come from a poor family. But here *she gazed at the skatepark*, everyone can come here! You can be rich, you can be poor, but everyone can play together in this park!
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– No one dared to do something about Kalijodo in the past! Only Ahok dared to close it down and faced the mafia! What happened to him now is so sad. I know whom I will choose in the next government election.
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Anyway, check out the video I made at Kalijodo X Park!
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The word ‘Kalijodo’ used to have such a negative connotation!
Not anymore.
Thanks to Pak Ahok!
