“Imagine Sukarno’s vision taking shape here.” That’s how it all began. This is Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. Locals call it GBK Stadium. It stands as a multi-purpose stadium right in Central Jakarta.
Gelora Bung Karno is more than just a stadium. It is a symbol of Indonesia’s sporting spirit. It is also named after Sukarno. He was Indonesia’s first president. He dreamed of a grand sports complex.
Construction started in 1960. It was a race against time. Jakarta would host the 1962 Asian Games. Gelora Bung Karno needed to be ready. The stadium opened on July 21, 1962. It became the centerpiece for the Games. The Soviet Union helped fund this project.
Originally, Gelora Bung Karno held 110000 people. Renovations changed this. In 2006, capacity went down to 88306 for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. Later renovations for the 2018 Asian Games further reduced it. Now it holds 77193 single seats. The stadium is still one of Asia’s largest.
Sukarno had a unique design idea. He wanted a gigantic ring-shaped facade. It would shade spectators from the sun. This design is known as “temu gelang.” Soviet architects were hesitant. Sukarno insisted and he got his way.
Gelora Bung Karno has seen name changes over time. Initially, it was Senajan Main Stadium. In 1962, it became Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. During the New Order era, it was Gelora Senayan Main Stadium. After the dictatorship fell, the original name came back in 2001.
Gelora Bung Karno has hosted major events. The 1962 and 2018 Asian Games took place here. The 2018 Asian Para Games also used this stadium. It hosted the 2007 AFC Asian Cup final. Many other sporting events have been held here.
Beyond sports, Gelora Bung Karno has served other purposes. Pope John Paul II led a Grand Catholic mass here in 1989. Political rallies often take place here. Concerts also fill the stadium with music. One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Blackpink and Coldplay have performed here.
The stadium uses Zeon Zoysia grass. This creates a great surface for football. The stadium also features a modern LED lighting system. This lights up the stadium’s facade.
Getting here is easy. The KRL Commuterline stops nearby. The Jakarta MRT also has a station close to Gelora Bung Karno. Transjakarta BRT buses serve this area too.
Gelora Bung Karno remains a source of pride for Jakarta. It is a testament to Sukarno’s vision. It is a place where sports, culture, and history come together. The red, white, and grey seats now resemble the waving flag of Indonesia. Gelora Bung Karno stands tall.