19th September 2022 – The City Government of Denpasar, Bali, carried out a trial Denpasar City Car Free Day (CFD) in the Renon and Lumintang last week. The areas have officially reopened after two years of being closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The opening marked the release of the dove by the mayor and the vice mayor of Denpasar. The ceremony was also attended by other local officials. There are 2 spots of CFD in Denpasar City, one in Renon Square and the other one in Lumintang Square.
According to the vice mayor, in this situation of generating economic recovery, CFD is one of the efforts. Other than being a platform for citizens’ fitness, there will be many local MSMEs selling their foods and other goods around the Renon CFD area, so the small economic cycle will be able to rise again. He added, “in several big cities, such as Jakarta, Solo and Surabaya, CFD has also been reopened, considering the enthusiasm of the community, the interest in sports is very high on cycling, walking and jogging, as well as the culinary of MSMEs that are present. Based on that recent evaluation, the city government decided to bring it back.”
CFD is held every Sunday, starting at 06.00 until 10.00 AM, which means the traffic is closed during the time frame. Police, satpol-PP (municipal police) and linmas (civil defence) of Village Sumerta Kelod take the roles to secure the event and the location.
As of today, the public can return to exercise in the CFD area as before the Covid-19 pandemic. Locals and expats are excited about the reopening. “I am very happy that this Renon CFD is back because I can exercise while enjoying a clean atmosphere without motorized vehicles passing by with my family while tasting various culinary delights, of course, around here,” Kadek Juni said.
