ASEAN Food Tenants at Blok M Hub

Jakarta —

Blok M is known as a cultural hotspot for young people in South Jakarta. Here, they often hunt for viral TikTok foods, take photos at photoboxes, or relax at Martha Tiahahu Literacy Park.

However, Blok M is no longer just a trendy hangout. The area is being developed as a city icon that connects culture, community, and regional connectivity in Southeast Asia. One example is the recent ASEAN Fest 2025.

This festival was not just about entertainment but also served as a cultural interaction space, strengthening regional connectivity and broadening public awareness of diversity and international cooperation.

The revitalized Blok M has been enthusiastically received by locals and visitors alike. A resident from Bekasi, West Java, praised the area’s cleaner layout. As an International Relations graduate, they believe Blok M has the potential to become an economic and connectivity hub for ASEAN.

«The revitalization keeps Blok M’s vintage charm while adding a modern touch. It could even serve as a model for other ASEAN regions,» they said.

They often visit Blok M after work, not for food or shopping, but to exercise and unwind.

«I usually jog at the park around 7 PM after work,» they shared.

Affordable and diverse public transport options make Blok M easily accessible.

«With the MRT and Transjakarta routes, getting here is much smoother now,» they added.

Another visitor from Sukabumi enjoys spending time at Blok M, whether hanging out or reading in the park. They noted that the area has become more pedestrian-friendly compared to a few months ago.

«Walking around is much easier now, even when it’s crowded,» they said.

Working in South Jakarta, they use TransJakarta Corridor 13 to reach Blok M and appreciate the improved food options.

«The food stalls are better organized and more varied, making visitors feel more comfortable,» they added.

They hope Blok M will continue to host community events, charity activities, exhibitions, and entertainment to boost local economy.

Jakarta celebrates its 498th anniversary with a public festival at Blok M, South Jakarta.

Recently, the Jakarta government launched Blok M Hub, themed «Energetic Spaces, Connecting Lives,» reinforcing its role as an ASEAN hub.

At Jakarta’s 498th-anniversary event, officials highlighted Blok M Hub as an integrated terminal focusing on urban revitalization and ASEAN connectivity.

«Blok M is envisioned as Jakarta’s new face, showcasing global city spirit through ASEAN’s cultural richness and products,» they said.

As a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Blok M aims to be a multimodal interchange with pedestrian-friendly public spaces, reflected in the 1.3 km sidewalk and drainage upgrades on Falatehan Street.

Accessibility for people with disabilities is also prioritized, ensuring inclusive public facilities.

«Every facility must be disability-friendly, including marked pedestrian paths for easier access,» they explained.

ASEAN officials praised Jakarta’s efforts, expressing readiness for further collaboration.

«We appreciate Jakarta’s strong support in promoting ASEAN sustainably. Blok M’s transit-oriented development aligns well with ASEAN’s vision,» they said.

Urban planning experts also commended Blok M’s connectivity improvements.

«TransJakarta’s expansion to Greater Jakarta is excellent—affordable and far-reaching,» they noted.

However, they emphasized that Blok M should evolve beyond just a food and shopping destination to fully realize its TOD potential.

«If Blok M is to be a TOD, its development must be comprehensive, not just about revitalizing the area,» they advised.

Blok M Hub

Blok M Hub is a modern shopping and entertainment complex located in South Jakarta, Indonesia. Originally developed in the 1960s as part of a residential and commercial area, Blok M gained fame as a bustling shopping district and transport hub. Today, Blok M Hub revitalizes the area with a mix of retail, dining, and cultural events, blending contemporary trends with Jakarta’s vibrant urban lifestyle.

Martha Tiahahu Literacy Park

Martha Tiahahu Literacy Park, located in Ambon, Indonesia, is a cultural and educational site dedicated to Martha Christina Tiahahu, a national heroine who fought against Dutch colonial rule in the early 19th century. The park serves as a tribute to her bravery and promotes literacy and learning among visitors. It features green spaces, reading areas, and monuments honoring her legacy as a symbol of resistance and education.

ASEAN Fest 2025

ASEAN Fest 2025 is a vibrant cultural festival celebrating the diversity and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event showcases traditional music, dance, cuisine, and crafts from the ten member countries, promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange. First held in [year if available], it has grown into a key platform for fostering ASEAN identity and people-to-people connections.

MRT

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) refers to urban rail systems found in cities like Singapore, Taipei, and other major Asian metropolitan areas. The most famous is Singapore’s MRT, launched in 1987, which has grown into one of the world’s most efficient and extensive rapid transit networks. These systems play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion and supporting sustainable urban mobility.

Transjakarta

Transjakarta is a bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Jakarta, Indonesia, launched in 2004 to address the city’s severe traffic congestion. As the first BRT system in Southeast Asia, it features dedicated bus lanes and serves millions of passengers daily. Inspired by similar systems like Bogotá’s TransMilenio, Transjakarta has expanded over the years to become one of the world’s largest BRT networks, improving urban mobility in Jakarta.

Falatehan Street

Falatehan Street, located in South Jakarta, Indonesia, is named after Fatahillah, a 16th-century Muslim leader who liberated Sunda Kelapa (now Jakarta) from Portuguese forces and renamed it Jayakarta. The street is known for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, passing through areas like Blok M, a popular shopping and entertainment district. Today, it reflects a mix of Jakarta’s colonial past and modern urban life.

TransJakarta Corridor 13

TransJakarta Corridor 13 is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Jakarta, Indonesia, operating between Tendean and CBD Ciledug. Opened in 2017, it serves southern Jakarta, improving connectivity to key areas like Mampang and Cipulir. The corridor is part of the TransJakarta network, which was launched in 2004 to reduce traffic congestion and provide efficient public transportation in the capital.

Jakarta’s 498th-anniversary event

Jakarta’s 498th-anniversary event celebrated the city’s founding on June 22, 1527, when it was named «Jayakarta» (meaning «victorious city») after Sultan Fatahillah defeated Portuguese forces. The 2025 festivities likely featured cultural performances, historical exhibitions, and community activities, highlighting Jakarta’s diverse heritage as a former colonial hub and Indonesia’s vibrant capital. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the city’s resilience and growth from a small port to a bustling metropolis.