Blok M Attracts Generation of the 90s During the Holiday, Remembering the Terminal and PPD Buses

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Blok M area, South Jakarta, was crowded with visitors during the long Ascension of Jesus Christ holiday, Saturday (16/5/2026).

Not only young people, but also residents who had enjoyed the atmosphere of Blok M in the 1990s came to reminisce.

Aca (66), a resident of Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, was one of the visitors who came with his friends to remember the old atmosphere of Blok M.

According to Aca, the area has been crowded since the past. However, the atmosphere of Blok M today feels very different compared to the 1990s.

He remembers that Blok M at that time was better known as a terminal area and a transit point for Jakarta residents, not a hangout place like it is now.

Aca also remembers the existence of Aldiron Plaza, which has now been transformed into Blok M Square.

“In the past, Blok M’s terminal was still on that side. Then there was Aldiron Plaza,” he said.

According to Aca, young people at that time came to Blok M more for work and daily transportation.

“In the past, we young people didn’t hang out like this. We just went home after work,” he said.

“It’s good, but as long as they don’t fight. Just gathering like that is good,” he added.

Similarly, Mashudi (64), a resident of Depok, said that he had known the Blok M area since the late 1990s when he was working in Jakarta.

Mashudi said that in the past, Blok M was more identical with bus terminals, a shopping center, and the activities of office workers.

“In the past, it was already famous as a transit point for people. I often passed by here on city buses. So Blok M was not a hangout place like it is now, but for daily activities,” said Mashudi.