5 Hidden Basketball Courts In Jakarta You Need to Check Out Right Now

Trying to be a good basketball player in Indonesia is not easy—hell, even finding a court can be difficult. There are more security posts in a neighborhood than basketball courts. Unlike soccer, the most popular sport in the country that only requires an empty piece of land and rocks used to indicate the goalposts, a basketball court requires more: a hoop, a backboard and a post.

Due to the scarcity of courts in the city, chances to sharpen up your hoop skill are slim. It’s very hard to practice your 3-points before you leave for work, or at night, working on your sick handles. That’s how Jakarta streetballer Rico Lubis, aka Rico Spinboy, feels about the Indonesian basketball culture. “It’s completely different compared to the United States or China,” Rico said.

In Jakarta, when you find a court, you usually have to pay before you play. “On average, a proper basketball court will cost you Rp 400,000 to 600,000 ($28-42 USD) per two hours,” Rico said.

That’s not that bad I guess, if you’re playing with nine other people. But who would spend around half a million rupiah just to practice their crossovers and post-game alone? Luckily, Rico helped me find some obscure and semi-hidden basketball courts that you can use for free. You can just show up and crash these courts, as long as you’re cool with the local residents.

Most Jakarta residents don't just casually go to Monas. It's a place people go to when an out-of-town friend or relative asks to be taken around town. Little did I know, on the east side of Monas, parallel to the Gambir station, there’s a pretty decent and well-maintained basketball court.

The ring is nice, the board is fiberglass, and the court is smoothly cemented. On weekend nights, the lights around the court are lit until late. But on weekday nights, you're relying your luck on the security guards' mood ,whether or not they’re willing to turn on the lights. The facility is completely free, but since it’s a huge open field, the wind can get a bit strong and will most likely affect your shots.

These two courts are what a basketball court should be. They’re located within the complex of Rusun Kebon Kacang IX. To get there, you have to sneak through footpaths flanked by buildings. These courts were built for local residents, but anybody can use them as long as you’re not being an asshole.

During my visit there, I felt like basketball was inferior to futsal in Court 1. And I was right. “Here, not many play basketball,” Acung, a 14-year-old, told me as he was eating street food on the side of the court.

The other court was different. While I was there, I met Saddam and Akbar, both 14, with their bright orange rubber ball. The whole place was pretty chaotic, as the court was used for three or four different games. Some played futsal, others were wrestling. Then there were some kids playing hide and seek. Saddam and Akbar were outnumbered and had to play goalkeepers while occasionally making their shots. It’s without order and egalitarian, what’s more street than this?

Taman Menteng is an ideal city park. It has the space, the benches, the selfie spots. It’s beautiful and it’s free. Around the park are all sorts of walking food and drink carts and huge, elite houses. The hoop is in fine condition. I wish places like this were more common in Jakarta.

Rico Spinboy said this one is the most street. Anyone can play anytime, and there’s no security. The court is a bit bumpy with cracks here and there. The hoop is rusty. And of course, like many other courts, more often it’s used by kids playing football. Since it’s pretty far away from residential areas, you don’t have to worry making a noise late at night.

On Jalan Panglima Polim V, right behind the Insterstudi Design Institute campus, there’s an amazing basketball court. It has a fiber ring, a steel post, and a safety net to make sure the ball doesn’t go out and hit a chicken street cart nearby. On the side of the court, there’s also a giant power house full of colorful graffiti. It's almost perfect, except that it costs money if you want to use the whole court for a game. “But it’s cheap compared to other proper courts, it’s only Rp 200,000 ($14 USD)” Rico said.

At least it's free if you just want to dribble around and practice your best Klay Thompson jump shot.

‘The Road’ is a series by VICE x Tokopedia that presents profiles of seemingly "common" people who have the bravery to chase after their dreams despite doubts and obstacles, and who have become respected figures in their own field. #MulaiAjaDulu