Jakarta Residents Respond to Malls Installing High Fences

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – A number of residents of South Jakarta have voiced a range of opinions, both for and against, in response to the phenomenon of high fences being installed at several shopping centres. The management of malls belonging to a certain tycoon’s group erected the fences to anticipate potential demonstrations in August 2026.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m in favour. It’s private property, so I think it’s perfectly reasonable for the developer to take whatever measures they deem necessary,” said Albastomi, a visitor to Blok M Plaza, when met at the location in Jakarta on Monday (3/8/2026).

According to Albastomi, private companies have the authority to manage and make decisions within their own properties. This includes, he added, building fences as part of efforts to improve security and maintain order.

Meanwhile, another mall visitor, Satriyo, felt that the presence of fences more than three metres high at several malls and buildings in Jakarta raised questions. He also wondered why malls would install fences that tall.

“In my view, that’s a big question — why is it being done simultaneously? Especially since much of the media has linked the phenomenon to a step to anticipate riots that might occur in August, as happened last year,” said Satriyo.