Update Oct 12: The Jakarta provincial government has, for the time being, cancelled plans for free entry into Ancol.
Ancol, the gated area of North Jakarta that contains beaches, amusement parks and other seaside attractions, is one of the few outdoor recreation areas in the capital. But relatively steep entry costs keep many families from being able to enjoy Ancol, and Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat wants to change that.
At the governor’s request, Ancol’s management will start a six-month-long test on October 14 in which they will waive the longstanding IDR25,000 (US$1.85) per person entrance fee that is currently applied to the public.
Djarot said that, although entering the beach area of Ancol would be free, visitors would still be charged as usual for the area’s attractions.
On top of giving more lower-class Jakartans access to the recreation area, Djarot said the move would help businesses operating within the zone.
“The (effect) we are hoping for is not in terms of how many people, but the multiplier effect they will create, such as greater demand at restaurants and a livelier art market,” Djarot said as quoted by Detik.
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