January 19, 2026
JAKARTA – Tucked behind narrow alleys in one of Jakarta’s densely populated neighborhoods, a modest activity space has quietly become home to a community built on constant motion. Here, children jump, flip and practice acrobatics amid tightly packed houses, turning a residential alley in North Jakarta into an improvised training ground.
Indosalto is an acrobatics community for children aged 5 to 13, based on Jl. Pluit Dalam III, a small alley in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. The group offers free training that combines tumbling, acrobatic kicks, backflips and basic gymnastics techniques. Without mirrors, mats or professional equipment, the sessions rely on repetition, body awareness and mutual trust.
Founded about three years ago by Yoga Ardian, 35, Indosalto emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his work as an acrobatics coach came to a halt. Before the pandemic, Ardian coached capoeira and tumbling at international schools and fitness centers across Jakarta. When those venues closed, he returned to training on his own at home.
Coach Yoga Ardian (left) trains Karlina, 13, in kickboxing techniques during an Indosalto community practice session on Jan. 15, 2026, in a residential alley in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Ardian, who founded Indosalto, provides free acrobatics and capoeira training for local children. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST
Learning the strike: Coach Yoga Ardian (left) trains Karlina, 13, in kickboxing techniques during an Indosalto community practice session on Jan. 15, 2026, in a residential alley in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Ardian, who founded Indosalto, provides free acrobatics and capoeira training for local children. (JP/Iqro Rinaldi)
Before growing into its current form, Ardian’s solo practice began attracting attention from neighborhood children, who stopped to watch from doorways and street corners.
“At first, I trained by myself, and the children around here kept watching,” Ardian told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. “Over time, they became interested, so we started training together, developing our own training methods until it became what it is today.”
Indosalto trains without luxurious facilities, and the location reflects those limits. Sessions take place in a narrow residential alley surrounded by closely packed homes, where children must stay alert as neighbors pass by. The concrete surface leaves little room for error, forcing both coach and students to adapt constantly.
Adel performs a backflip with assistance from coach Yoga Ardian (back) during an Indosalto acrobatics practice session on Jan. 16, 2026, in an alley in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST
“I happen to live here, and since all I have is my skill, I wanted to share it with the children here,” Ardian said. “I tried training in apartment corridors or in front of buildings, but I was turned away. Eventually, I decided to train in front of my house because it was more efficient.”
For the participants, the journey has not been easy. Many joined with little prior experience and a strong fear of falling. Over time, consistent practice has helped them gain confidence and enjoy the movements they once found intimidating.
“At first, I was hesitant and afraid of falling because I didn’t know the techniques,” said Karlina, 13, one of Indosalto’s members. “But after continuous training, I became more confident and no longer afraid.”
Catherine, 11, an Indosalto member, warms up before practicing routines during the community’s training session on Jan. 15, 2026, in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST
The training has begun to pay off. One Indosalto member has achieved success at the national level, showing how a small community can open unexpected pathways.
“I won three titles in battle tricking competitions and earned two silver medals at kickboxing national championships,” Karlina said.
Ardian hopes Indosalto can serve as a stepping stone for the children’s futures, whether as athletes or professionals in sports and entertainment. For him, the goal goes beyond medals.
Coach Yoga Ardian (back, second left) poses with students from the Indosalto acrobatics community on Jan. 15, 2026, at their practice area, a narrow residential alley, in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST
“They could become athletes, actors or even coaches,” he said. “Ultimately, I hope they can become better than I am now.”
Indosalto currently has seven regular participants. Training sessions are held every Thursday, while weekends often draw 15 to 20 children from the surrounding area. Their presence is a quiet reminder that limited space does not have to limit dreams, or stop children from reaching higher, even in a narrow alley.