Bustling Scenes at Benhil's 'Takjil War' Bazaar as First Day of Ramadan Fasting Begins
The takjil bazaar at Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) in Central Jakarta began filling with visitors on the first day of Ramadan fasting, as residents flocked to hunt for takjil — light snacks and refreshments for breaking the fast.
Based on observations at the location on Thursday (19 February 2026) at 4.20pm Western Indonesian Time, crowds of visitors were busily transacting with vendors. One visitor from Bekasi, Jauhari (59), said he had already purchased a variety of foods.
"I bought siomay, asinan, sticky rice — I've bought so much already. And I'm not even finished yet," said Jauhari.
Jauhari said he habitually visits the Benhil takjil bazaar every Ramadan. He noted that shopping with QRIS digital payments made transactions much faster.
"In the old days you'd have to swipe or tap. Now it's just scan, scan, scan, scan. I've probably spent about Rp 250,000 to Rp 300,000 already," he said.
Jauhari said the diversity of food at the Benhil takjil bazaar keeps him coming back. He described his takjil-hunting as a way to pass the time before breaking fast — a practice known as ngabuburit.
"During the fasting month, there's less to do. Doing ngabuburit and having a look around here — it's really lively. There's such a huge variety, it's limitless. I'm still looking for more things. There's food from Padang, from Java — it's extraordinary," he said.
Jauhari said he would continue hunting for takjil until he was exhausted. "Yeah, until I'm too tired to carry on," he said with a laugh.
Based on observations at the location on Thursday (19 February 2026) at 4.20pm Western Indonesian Time, crowds of visitors were busily transacting with vendors. One visitor from Bekasi, Jauhari (59), said he had already purchased a variety of foods.
"I bought siomay, asinan, sticky rice — I've bought so much already. And I'm not even finished yet," said Jauhari.
Jauhari said he habitually visits the Benhil takjil bazaar every Ramadan. He noted that shopping with QRIS digital payments made transactions much faster.
"In the old days you'd have to swipe or tap. Now it's just scan, scan, scan, scan. I've probably spent about Rp 250,000 to Rp 300,000 already," he said.
Jauhari said the diversity of food at the Benhil takjil bazaar keeps him coming back. He described his takjil-hunting as a way to pass the time before breaking fast — a practice known as ngabuburit.
"During the fasting month, there's less to do. Doing ngabuburit and having a look around here — it's really lively. There's such a huge variety, it's limitless. I'm still looking for more things. There's food from Padang, from Java — it's extraordinary," he said.
Jauhari said he would continue hunting for takjil until he was exhausted. "Yeah, until I'm too tired to carry on," he said with a laugh.