Even during Ramadan, certain areas of Jakarta remain prone to brawling (perhaps too many hangry people?). Unlike the usual heavy-handed tactics law enforcement often uses to enforce the peace during the holy month, the Menteng Police in Central Jakarta decided to try something different this year by holding a free public chess tournament.
The chess tournament was specifically held to prevent outbreaks of brawling in Tenggulun and Pasar Rumput, two areas prone to fighting. The competition took place on Sunday night at the Pasar Rumput Bridge. Seventy competitors entered, competing for prizes including trophies and cash.
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Menteng Police Chief Ronald A Purba said the tournament wasn’t just to prevent violence, but to help citizens get to know each other through friendly competition.
“It is also expected to increase the closeness and synergy between citizens and the police, but most importantly, the potential for fighting can be minimized during Ramadan and beyond,” Ronald said on Monday as quoted by Wartakota.
Ronald said the response to the chess tournament was extremely positive and hoped that it could become a yearly event symbolizing good will between the area’s citizens as well as the police.
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