Blok M: No Longer Just a Terminal, Now a Place for Relaxing with Old Friends

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Blok M area in South Jakarta is no longer just known as a terminal and transit area as it was in the 1990s. During the long Ascension of Jesus Christ holiday, Saturday (16/5/2026), the area was crowded with people who came to gather and “heal” with old friends. One of them is Aca (66), a resident of Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, who came with a group of his friends to Blok M. Aca said that he and his friends, who are mostly in their 60s, deliberately gathered to enjoy the atmosphere of Blok M, which is now much more modern than it used to be. In addition to gathering and reminiscing, Aca and his group also tried a number of culinary delights that are currently trending on social media. While exploring the Blok M area, they tried several popular foods and drinks, ranging from fried chicken to es teler (iced coconut and jackfruit dessert). “We already tried the fried chicken and es teler. The es teler was actually delicious,” he said. According to Aca, Blok M is an area that he has known since the 1990s when the place was still synonymous with bus terminals and a center for workers’ activities. “In the past, I used to come often, but that was before it became like this, in the 1990s. There were still Bis Maya Sari and PPD buses, but no Busway yet,” he said. He also still remembers the Blok M terminal area and the existence of Aldiron Plaza, which is now Blok M Square. “In the past, Blok M was still a terminal on that side. Then there was Aldiron Plaza,” he said. According to Aca, in the past, people came to Blok M more for transportation needs and daily work activities. Now, the area has transformed into a hangout and culinary center for young people. Even so, he believes that this change has brought a new and positive atmosphere.