Workers at Deg-degan Mall Continue Working Amid Ongoing Mass Protests

Jakarta –

Shopping centers continue to operate normally after last week’s mass actions at several points in Jakarta. Those who work in malls also have to come to work with feelings of unease.

One worker at Central Park Mall, West Jakarta, said that the shopping center continues to operate normally and stays open until the evening even though there were actions like a few days ago. They admitted feeling anxious when the day of the demonstration arrived, especially since their commute home passes through red zones like Senen.

“The feeling is more like nervousness, especially on Friday the 29th when heading home from work, passing through the Senen route, the roads were closed everywhere, all closed, and many residents were gathering when passing through that route. It was really scary,” they said on Monday.

They described the mall’s condition as quiet with few visitors after the mass actions. Sometimes, they also hear stories from visitors who are afraid to leave their homes because the situation is not yet conducive.

“There definitely is (a difference). Before there were rumors of demonstrations, there were still many customers shopping in the mall. After the news of demonstrations for several days, customer traffic became very quiet. There are always stories from visitors, or perhaps people are afraid to leave their homes, and some roads are also closed everywhere, that’s one of the reasons,” they explained.

Reduced Working Hours

Similarly, one worker at a fashion outlet in Grand Indonesia Mall (GI), Central Jakarta, also admitted to being afraid to go to work. However, since there has been no call for a day off, they still come in as usual. However, there has been a reduction in working hours by thirty minutes compared to usual.

“I’m actually scared, but what can you do. We also keep track of the latest developments on the roads,” they said when met.

They mentioned that management has also advised everyone to remain vigilant from September 1-5 because follow-up actions are anticipated.

Previously, the Chairman of the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) said that malls, as one of the public facilities, continue to strive to operate but prioritize the comfort and security of visitors.

“Considering that conditions in some areas are still directly affected by the demonstrations, each management will consider and make situational decisions,” they said.

They explained that each shopping center can decide to continue operating fully normally or temporarily close its operations according to the local situation and conditions.