PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan inaugurated the new face of the Merdeka Kerkhof Sports Facilities Field (SOR), Garut Regency, Friday (12/1/2024).

This extensive renovation included replacing the natural grass with high-quality synthetic grass imported from China.

Rudy stated that this field now meets national standards for football. However, continued Rudy, for the next 45 days, this synthetic field will not be able to be used optimally, because it has to go through a maintenance period.

"This is for public use, ngabuburit is allowed, (but) this cannot be used within 45 days, within those 45 days there is still maintenance," he said.

Apart from the football field, the Garut Regency Government (Pemdakab) is also renovating the running track at SOR Merdeka Kerkhof, with an annual budget of IDR 4 billion for repairs to the running track and other supporting facilities.

"This year there is a budget of 4 billion for tires (rubber) for the track, the track has not been finished yet (it has been used) with carpet (rubber), after that there is something called a fence. Well, Jayaraga will be like this," he said.

SOR Merdeka Kerkhof is open for community activities. Rudy explained that the football field could be used for matches with the coordination of the SOR Merdeka Kerkhof Service Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD). Even though the field is not rented, there will be fees and parking rates that apply.

"This is not rented, normal parking is according to the provisions, if it is (a match) it will go to UPTD, if it is used (still) you will have to pay," he said.

Head of the Garut Regency Youth and Sports Service (Dispora), Ade Hendarsyah, revealed that IDR 5 billion in funds have been allocated in 2023 for the arrangement of football fields and athletic tracks, as well as additional lighting.

Ade also emphasized the importance of maintaining and maintaining this new facility to encourage sports and athletic achievements in Garut Regency.

Ade said that this synthetic grass is of international standard with sizes also in accordance with national and international standards.

Apart from changing the type of grass, continued Ade, the arrangement also includes improving drainage and elevation of the football field.

"Hopefully it can fulfill people's expectations for people who like to play sports. Secondly, of course it can be correlated with their sporting achievements, especially football and athletics," he said.

His party invites the public to always maintain and maintain the new face of SOR Merdeka Kerkhof, so that the condition of the field can continue to be maintained.

Apart from that, his party will prepare several rubbish bins, including staff, to support the existence of this synthetic field.

Ade also reminded field users to comply with rules, such as a ban on smoking on the field, to maintain the quality of synthetic grass. Entrance fees to SOR Merdeka Kerkhof range from IDR 2000 to IDR 5000, including parking fees.

"Indeed, this field is open to anyone, we just need to understand that this grass is synthetic grass made from rubber, especially those who want to use this field, must comply with the terms and conditions," he said.

SOR Merdeka Kerkhof, which was started by the 22nd Regent of Garut, Dede Satibi, is not only a sports center, but also a gathering place for the community, especially on weekends and Sundays, when many traders sell their wares around the area. (Diskominfo Garut/UPI)