At 44 Years Old, Gajah Mada Plaza Transforms into a Lifestyle Hub
Gajah Mada Plaza in the Gajah Mada area of Jakarta has refreshed its concept after 44 years of operation. The shopping centre now presents a new look and tenant mix, with more than 60% of occupants being new tenants. Visually, the centre has a more modern and dynamic appearance, including gold accents that lend an elegant character while reinforcing its new identity as a lifestyle destination in the Gajah Mada area. Commercially, Lippo Icon Gajah Mada currently records an occupancy rate of around 90%, with a mix covering culinary, fashion, entertainment, lifestyle, and daily necessities.
The transformation is part of PT Lippo Malls Indonesia’s strategy to refresh existing assets so they remain relevant to the development of the area and the needs and lifestyles of the public. Santiwati Basuki, Chief Marketing Officer of Lippo Malls, said that through a comprehensive renovation, the presence of new tenants, and the new Lippo Icon identity, the company aims to deliver a more modern and relevant experience for visitors.
One factor considered in the repositioning is the planned development of MRT Jakarta Corridor 2, which is expected to connect the Kota area to West Ancol through several strategic areas, including Gajah Mada and Harmoni. Lippo Icon Gajah Mada is being prepared as one of the locations integrated with the corridor development. Improved public transport connectivity is expected to ease public access while supporting the growth of commercial and lifestyle activity along the corridor. From a business perspective, this connectivity presents an opportunity to strengthen the mall’s function as part of the area’s ecosystem.
Pahala Situmeang, Mall Director of Gajah Mada Plaza, said the transformation is part of the management’s readiness to welcome the development of MRT Jakarta Corridor 2 by presenting a modern, accessible lifestyle destination integrated with public mobility while supporting the growth of the Gajah Mada area.
The change in concept also reflects a shift in the function of shopping centres. Through the positioning ‘The New Lifestyle Icon’, Lippo Icon Gajah Mada is directed not only as a shopping and lifestyle destination but also as a community hub that grows with the development of the area. The new tenant mix covers various categories, from culinary, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle to daily necessities. This diversification gives the shopping centre more functions for the public and reduces reliance on shopping activity alone. For mall operators, such a strategy is one way to maintain the appeal of assets that have operated for decades. Renovation, tenant refreshment, and concept changes are used to create new experiences while adapting assets to changes in the surrounding environment.
Lippo Icon Gajah Mada is the second mall in the Lippo Malls network to carry the Lippo Icon concept, after Lippo Icon Cibubur, previously known as Cibubur Junction. Through the Lippo Icon–The New Lifestyle Icon concept, Lippo Malls brings a more modern, relevant, and adaptive identity to changing public lifestyles. Thus, the change from Gajah Mada Plaza to Lippo Icon Gajah Mada is not merely about a name and appearance change. The move is part of an asset repositioning strategy through tenant renewal, a lifestyle concept, and anticipation of changes in area connectivity.
The transformation also serves as a moment to celebrate the 44th anniversary of Gajah Mada Plaza. Together with various tenants and sponsors, Lippo Icon Gajah Mada held a series of programmes to celebrate the shopping centre’s journey while introducing its new face and identity to the public. The ‘Shop & Celebrate’ programme runs from 20–30 August 2026. Visitors with a minimum transaction of Rp300,000 can redeem exclusive Lippo Icon Gajah Mada merchandise. For the first 10 visitors each day who meet the programme requirements, an additional Playtopia voucher worth Rp100,000 is available. The peak celebration is scheduled for Sunday, 30 August 2026, with a special performance by Mahalini and a Grand Balloon Drop programme. More than 500 balloons containing shopping vouchers and various prizes from tenants and sponsors will be released simultaneously. Of that number, 44 special balloons contain exclusive prizes as a symbol of Gajah Mada Plaza’s 44-year journey.
Through the revitalisation of old assets, changes in tenant composition, a lifestyle concept, and preparations for public transport development, Lippo Icon Gajah Mada is directed to enter a new chapter as a more modern and adaptive destination. The strategy is also an effort to maintain the asset’s relevance while strengthening its role in the future development of the Gajah Mada area.