Easy Access and FOMO: Reasons Why Blok M is Increasingly Crowded During Long Weekends
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Easy access to transportation and the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) are considered to be among the reasons why the Blok M area in South Jakarta is becoming increasingly crowded during long weekends.
This was stated by Dina (31), one of the visitors, who believes that the Blok M area is now increasingly popular because it is easily accessible by public transport and has many places that are trending on social media.
“Perhaps it’s because the transportation is now easy and there are many places that are trending on social media. So people come not only to hang out, but also because they feel they have to visit places that are being talked about,” said Dina when met by Kompas.com in the Blok M area, Saturday (16/5/2026).
However, according to her, the atmosphere in Blok M is now almost always crowded, especially on weekends and long holidays.
Even so, the increasingly crowded conditions are still quite comfortable, although visitors sometimes have difficulty finding seats in several eating places and cafes.
“For me, it’s still quite comfortable. Maybe it’s just a little too crowded and it’s hard to find a seat,” she said.
She also believes that Blok M has now developed into one of the new centers of activity for young people in Jakarta because it is almost always the main choice for gathering and spending time.
“Now, almost everyone who is looking for a place to hang out will come here. But in my opinion, the challenge now is how to keep this area comfortable,” said Dina.
According to her, visitors can easily move from the culinary area, cafes, to the thrifting center just by walking.
“Most often, I go around Little Tokyo and the culinary area. Sometimes I don’t even have a specific purpose, I just like to walk around and see the atmosphere,” said Raka when met in the Blok M area, Saturday.
The atmosphere in Blok M feels different compared to other hangout spots in Jakarta because visitors from various backgrounds mix in one area.
Raka deliberately came to Blok M during the long weekend because he had anticipated that the area would be crowded with visitors.
Even though it was crowded, he actually enjoyed the atmosphere because it was considered to make the area feel more alive.
“But in my opinion, that’s what makes it interesting, it’s like there’s its own energy. It feels like everyone wants to go out and they end up meeting in Blok M,” he said.
Several spots such as the culinary area and the Little Tokyo area were crowded with people who came with friends or family.
Pedestrians were seen crowding the sidewalks and alleys of the culinary center. Even though it rained briefly, visitors continued their activities of hanging out and looking for food.
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