Discourse On GBK Entering PSN, Commission X: Essence As Sports Center Don't Shift

Photo by Dino Januarsa on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Commission X of the House of Representatives highlighted the plan of Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno to want Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) to become a national strategic project (PSN) in 2025. The DPR supports but asks the Government not to change the initial essence of GBK as a sports center.

"GBK is one of the prides of the nation which belongs to all Indonesian people. In general, we support it, but its main essence and function as a sports center should not be shifted," said Member of Commission X DPR Andreas Hugo Pareira, Wednesday, July 10.

Andreas explained that Bung Karno built the Sports Center, which later became the name of the first president and proclaimer of Indonesian independence, immortalized as a national Sports stadium that has an international reputation as well as an icon of national sports. He agreed that GBK as a sports center is a potential area to be developed.

The GBK development plan itself has the aim of attracting new investments. Therefore, the Government plans to increase the function of GBK which is no longer just for sports purposes, but also as an international entertainment venue.

The GBK area has often been a venue for entertainment events, including concerts. Even the GBK area, which covers an area of 279 hectares, has other functions as an environmental conservation area.

"Basically, the idea of developing and making the GBK area for environmental conservation is a good thing. However, we ask the Government to consider the benefits for the community regarding environmental conservation, not just looking at the commercial side," said the legislator from the NTT I electoral district.

Andreas reminded the Government to prioritize the interests of the community if they want to carry out development. So that the community can benefit more.

"We ask the Government to prioritize the interests of the community if they want to take policies. Considering that GBK is the favorite spot for young people in the capital," Andreas explained.

The member of the House of Representatives' Sports, Education, Arts and Culture Commission also emphasized the importance of transparency and public participation in every stage of PSN GBK development. Andreas stated his commitment to continue to oversee the plan so that it runs according to his dignity.

"We will closely oversee this process to ensure that every step is taken in a transparent manner and involves community participation. GBK belongs to all of us, and decisions regarding its future must reflect the will and interests of the Indonesian people," he explained.

For information, Menparekraf Sandiaga said that a new form of investment in the GBK area would be reviewed by the management as the Public Service Agency (BLU) to provide input to the Government regarding the need for additional facilities through PSN.

All proposals related to PSN will be completed in 2025 in conjunction with the regulation of the Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund (IQTF) program.

"In principle, the DPR supports the advancement of education, sports, arts and culture. But all of that must be done according to the applicable mechanism, and must really prioritize the interests of the community and be beneficial to all Indonesian people," concluded Andreas.