Capital of 100,000 Rupiahs Gets Three Lebaran Outfits: Why Residents Hunt for Thrifted Clothing at Pasar Senen

JAKARTA — Rising clothing prices ahead of Idul Fitri have led some residents to seek alternative solutions to meet their Lebaran fashion needs.

One popular approach is hunting for thrifted clothing at Pasar Senen in Central Jakarta.

“It’s much cheaper. With 100,000 rupiahs I can get three outfits. For t-shirts, some are only 20,000 rupiahs each, and blouses are also affordable,” said Usi (29), a private sector employee from Bekasi, when encountered at Pasar Senen on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

“If I buy at a mall, a single dress can cost 300,000 rupiahs or even more. Here I can get a dress for around 70,000 to 100,000 rupiahs,” she added.

Block III, fifth floor of Pasar Senen was bustling with visitors hunting for clothing ahead of Lebaran on Wednesday afternoon. The narrow lanes between thrift clothing stalls were busy with shoppers rummaging through piles of garments.

Some stalls are only about 2x1 metres, whilst larger ones are approximately 4x3 metres.

Various types of clothing are sold at this location, ranging from t-shirts, shirts, skirts, trousers, to jackets and hoodies.

Within seconds, buyers crowd around stalls to be first to select clothing.

“Everything is 20,000 rupiahs! Just choose!” shouted a vendor to passing customers.

At another stall, the vendor offered cheaper bulk purchase packages.

“Take three for 50,000 rupiahs!” shouted another trader.

The hot and crowded market atmosphere does not dampen shoppers’ enthusiasm to continue searching for wearable clothing.

For some parents, thrifting has become a way to reduce household spending.

Putri (37), a housewife from Depok, said she frequently visits Pasar Senen to buy clothing for her children.

“Children’s clothing usually costs between 20,000 and 50,000 rupiahs per item,” said Putri.

According to her, this price is significantly cheaper than new clothing at shops.