by Nurul Fitri Ramadhani
JAKARTA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Padel is rapidly gaining traction in Indonesia, especially among middle- and upper-income groups. The racket sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash, has attracted urban residents with its social nature, energetic rallies and relatively low barrier to entry.
According to local padel field contractor Padelnesia, Indonesia now has around 134 padel courts. The sport's swift expansion has encouraged entrepreneurs and property owners to view padel courts as a lucrative new venture. Many are transforming empty plots into padel facilities, while others are converting existing futsal venues to meet rising demand.
Harlan, 64, a futsal court owner in Bekasi, West Java province, is among those shifting direction. He is currently renovating his futsal court to create two padel courts, saying bookings for futsal have declined over the past year. "Renting out padel courts will be far more profitable," he told Xinhua.
He explained that futsal courts typically rent for 50,000 to 150,000 rupiahs (about 3 to 9 U.S. dollars) per hour, whereas padel courts command significantly higher rates of 250,000 to 450,000 rupiahs (15.01 to 27.03 dollars) per hour. "With such a substantial price gap and demand being so strong, I'm confident I can earn three to four times more," he said.
Harlan has also mapped out additional revenue sources beyond hourly rentals, including coaching programs, membership packages, tournaments, and food and beverage services.
Navega Titi, a 58-year-old property owner in Cibubur, East Jakarta, sees similar gains. After buying a plot of land near her residential complex and building three padel courts, she now earns hundreds of millions of rupiahs each month.
"Demand for padel has risen rapidly, and my courts are consistently booked by clubs, trainers and recreational players. These courts have become a highly profitable asset, bringing me a steady monthly net profit of up to 200 million rupiahs (12,011 dollars). I can recover my investment in just 1.5 to 2 years," she told Xinhua.
During construction last year, Titi said many key materials, from turf and lighting to glass walls and fencing, were imported from China, allowing her to obtain high-quality components. "It is a multi-billion rupiah investment. But renting padel courts has become one of the most reliable and profitable parts of my property business, and I expect growth to continue as the sport becomes even more popular," she added.
Padel's appeal among Indonesia's urban residents stems from several factors. Players say it is easier to learn than tennis, naturally suited for doubles, and highly social. Its small court size keeps rallies lively and helps beginners reach a comfortable playing level quickly.
The sport also aligns with Indonesia's expanding lifestyle fitness trend, with young professionals and families increasingly seeking active leisure options. Expat communities and social media have further amplified padel's visibility and aspirational image.
"Although this sport can be quite expensive, I still choose to play regularly because it gives me a great workout without feeling overwhelmed, and every match leaves me energized," said Sarahine Bella, 28, from North Jakarta.
"But what keeps me coming back is the social side. Even though the price can be high, the mix of enjoyment, fitness and social recognition makes it absolutely worth it," she added. ■
