Generation of the 90s Flock to Blok M, Reliving Nostalgia and Sampling Viral Cuisine

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A number of people from the 1990s generation visited the Blok M area, South Jakarta, during the Ascension of Jesus Christ long weekend, Saturday (16/5/2026). They came not only to reminisce but also to try out the viral cuisine that has been widely discussed on social media. One of them is Aca (66), a resident of Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, who came with his friends to Blok M. Aca admitted that he deliberately came from Kelapa Gading to relive the old atmosphere of Blok M while trying the popular food. While exploring, Aca and his group tried some of the trending culinary delights, from fried chicken to es teler (iced coconut and jackfruit dessert). “We already tried the fried chicken and the es teler. The es teler was actually delicious,” he said. 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 before. He said that he has known the Blok M area since the 1990s, when the area was still synonymous with a terminal and transportation hub. “In the past, we used to come often, but it was before it became like this, in the 1990s. There were still Bis Maya Sari and PPD buses, but no Busway,” said Aca. “It was crowded then, but not this crowded,” he added. Aca reminisced that Blok M used to be more of a place for people to carry out their daily activities and commute to work. He also still remembers the atmosphere of the Blok M terminal and Aldiron Plaza, which has now become Blok M Square. According to Aca, the atmosphere of Blok M is now very different because it is filled with hangout spots and culinary centres that are popular with young people. However, he believes that this change has brought a new and positive atmosphere.