Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium: History – Facts – Events

Yes, we are quite sure that you have known this sports center very well, right?

Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium is such a famous sports center in Indonesia.

One of several facts about Indonesian sports is “football has a lot of fans all over Indonesia”.

However, GBK Stadium does not only for football, though. There are so many events and so many activities to do there.

Now, let’s get to know further facts about Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. Here we go.

History of Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

Indonesia was appointed to be the fourth organizer of the 1962 Asian Games.

So at that time our first president, Ir. Soekarno, immediately answered the challenge by determining the right location for the grand event and by building Sports Facilities and Infrastructure.

Seeing the geographical location and development of the city of Jakarta in the future, the choice fell to the south area, namely the Senayan area, which is the boundary between Jakarta City and Kebayoran Baru Satellite.

The opening ceremony of the IV Asian Games in 1962 was held at the Bung Karno Main Stadium, which was attended by more than 110,000 people.

Bung Karno said that this event was a milestone for the Indonesian people, especially in the field of sports which is part of the Nation and Character Building, as well as in the context of association with other nations in the world.

A year later, GANEFO (Games of the New Emerging Forces) was held in 1963.

With the completion of the Bung Karno Sports Center at that time, it proved that the Indonesian people were able to carry out the construction of an international standard sports complex which at that time was not yet widely owned by developed countries.

Along with the changing times, the construction of Bung Karno Stadium was carried out in various sports facilities and other supporting facilities, especially football, one of the popular sports in Indonesia.

Facts About Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

1. Comfortable Seats

You have to be amazed by the comfortable yet sophisticated seats in Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

The single-seat flip-up replaces the old school long chair. And you will experience the audience seat which is more comfortable and neat.

Not only comfortable and sophisticated, these chairs are also powerful. You know what, these chairs are able to hold up a load of up to 250 kilograms. Wow, amazing!

With a maximum total capacity of 76 thousand spectators, there are also 200 special seats for disabled audiences.

Not only that, but the players’ seats are also made based on the standardized European stadium seats. Cool!

2. Using Manilla Grass

Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium uses Manila grass or Zoysia Matrella as its turf.

This type of grass is also used at Allianz Arena, the home of F.C. Bayern Munchen. How cool!

Even, the GBK Stadium also has an automatic sprinkler and an anti-flood drainage system for the soccer field .

3. Fortified Security

The security system in GBK Main Stadium is really cool! This is because there is a sophisticated 7K CCTV system in the stadium.

And you know what, the surveillance cameras can recognize faces to analyze a people’s behavior if they are thought to be doing evil. 

You also have to know its security door! The security door is equipped with a security system that has been synchronized with the control room.

And, there is also a privilege for VVIP audiences such as presidents or state guests who attend.

There are bulletproof glass facilities which is able to withstand 7.62 mm caliber bullets. Cool!

4. Free Wi-Fi

Let’s rejoice for this facility! For us, youth people, this is such a must-have feature for gadget addicts!

Wi-Fi, especially free Wi-Fi, is a main need for young generation and surprisingly, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium provides it very well.

So, you don’t have to worry that you will miss Instastory updates or Instagram feeds

5. High-Level Facilities

After being renovated, GBK Main Stadium was transformed into an international standard stadium following the rules of International Football Federation (FIFA).

The stadium also pocketed a five-star certificate from the European Football Union (UEFA).

With these high-level facilities, GBK Stadium is expected to increase the spirit and power for young generation, especially in football as one of the most popular sports for children in Indonesia.

Sporting Events in Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

• SEA Games XIV

• SEA Games XIX

• Final Piala Presiden (2016)

• Final Bhayangkara Cup (2016)

• Asian Games (2018)

Other Uses of Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium

1. Music Concerts

Yes, Gelora Bung Karno is such a special sports center that would provide anything for Indonesia society, including music concerts!

For you guys, Directioners (fan of One Direction) and fans of Bon Jovi, you might know that they held their music concerts in 2015.

2. Fashion Events

Well, not only music concerts, but you can enjoy fashion events, too! Several times ago, Islamic Fashion Fair was held and successfully attracted a lot of visitors there. We can say that the event was successful!

3. JakCloth Summer

For you guys, big fans of JakCloth, you have to know that JakCloth summer chose Gelora Bung Karno as its main stage several times ago. How cool, isn’t it.

4. Watching Live Sports Championships Together

This hobby is really interesting and fun, right? In GBK Stadium, there had been a lot of events to strengthen the relationship between the supporters. Besides, sport is one of the best outdoor activities in Indonesia, isn’t it?

5. Try-Outs and Examinations

Yes, you are not mistaken. Gelora Bung Karno Stadium also can be used as a location of examinations and try-outs, such as Entrance Exam for STAN in 2015.

So, that’s all about Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, the main location for football games in Indonesia.

And now, we can understand about reasons why Indonesians love football.