Affordable Snacks and Aircraft Views Attract Visitors to Soekarno-Hatta Airport Perimeter

TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com - Affordable snacks and the sight of aircraft are the reasons why locals flock to the northern perimeter of Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten.

Kompas.com observed at the location on Saturday (16 May 2026) that residents were crowding along the edge of North Perimeter Road, which directly faces the aircraft runway.

A number of vendors selling iced drinks, meatballs, cilok (Indonesian dumplings), and even sushi, set up their stalls on the grass beside the road. Visitors sit on the ground on mats, enjoying the afternoon atmosphere.

“I only come here on holidays, like Saturdays or Sundays, but not every week,” said Sarah when interviewed by Kompas.com at the location on Saturday.

According to her, the atmosphere in the perimeter area is comfortable for relaxing, especially after it rains.

“The atmosphere is really nice, especially after it rains, it’s so cool. And in front, you can see the planes,” she said.

Sarah said that she prefers to hang out on the edge of the perimeter because the food and drinks are cheaper than other places.

“Actually, there is a meatball stall over there, but it’s nicer to sit on mats like this. The prices are also cheaper,” she said.

“Here, you can buy an iced drink for only Rp 5,000, but at a coffee shop like the one over there, it would be more expensive,” Sarah added.

According to her, the main attraction of the area is the experience of seeing planes up close.

“It’s just interesting to be able to see the planes, especially for children who want to see them directly from up close,” she said.

One of the vendors, Kiki (27), said that the northern perimeter area is regularly crowded with visitors on weekends and holidays.

“I’ve been here for a year, it’s normal for it to be crowded on holidays. Especially tomorrow, which is Sunday, it will definitely be even more crowded,” said Kiki.