Jakarta Governor Pramono Plans to Transform Pasar Baru into 'Myeongdong' with Transit-Oriented Development
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced plans to transform the Pasar Baru area in Central Jakarta into a shopping and culinary destination similar to Myeongdong in South Korea. The concept includes introducing a row of restaurants and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Pramono stated that the development of Pasar Baru will be driven by the extension of the MRT line to the Kota Tua area. He believes that easy access to transportation will be the key to revitalising the area. ‘Many Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) will emerge. One of them is Pasar Baru. I even imagine Pasar Baru will become like Myeongdong,’ Pramono said in the SCBD area, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (30/6/2026).
Pramono explained that the entire Pasar Baru area will be filled with more restaurants and culinary centres to become a new magnet for tourists. ‘Later, along the road we will open restaurants, we will facilitate access to get there. Currently, it is not yet possible because there is no access,’ he said.
He cited the example of the Blok M area, which has recently become busy again due to good public transport access. A similar concept will be applied to Pasar Baru. ‘Blok M has been able to develop because access is easy. Including Pasar Baru later, if it is easily accessible from anywhere, I am sure Pasar Baru will definitely develop,’ he said.
Pramono stated that Pasar Baru will be one of the priority areas, along with Glodok Pancoran and Kota Tua, in the future development of Jakarta. ‘So Pasar Baru, Glodok Pancoran, and Kota Tua are three places that will become new milestones for Jakarta in the future,’ he said.
Additionally, Pramono revealed that the Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing a new culinary area that will operate until the early hours. However, he is still keeping the location of this area a secret. ‘There is one place we are planning, but I am not announcing the location, which we will open 24 hours. A place for people to eat after 5 pm until the next morning,’ he explained.
According to Pramono, the location is in the centre of Jakarta with easy access and ample parking. The provincial government is currently organising the area, particularly regarding parking issues. ‘The place is in the middle of Jakarta, easy to get to from anywhere, and parking is easy. Right now, the area is being arranged and hopefully, the parking issue can be resolved,’ he added.