James Riady Confirms Lippo-Owned Malls Will Not Install Fences
JAKARTA — Lippo Group Chairman James Riady has ensured that malls managed by Lippo Malls will not install fences. In fact, James stated that any fences previously installed in the Lippo mall network have been dismantled over the past ten years.
“Definitely not. Over the last 10 years, we have dismantled and removed all such fences in Lippo malls,” said James following a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and 150 Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) entrepreneurs at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (31/07/2026).
This statement was made in response to reports of several malls installing high fences under the guise of security concerns. While acknowledging that the business world must remain cautious in the face of increasing global volatility, James emphasised that such caution should not cause entrepreneurs to lose confidence in Indonesia’s future.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Housing and Residential Areas (PKPK), Maruarar Sirait, stated that his office has been in intensive communication with the owners of Indonesia’s largest shopping centres following the controversy regarding high fences. Maruarar revealed that these communications have yielded concrete results, including an agreement to dismantle the fences at Kota Kasablanka Mall (Kokas) in Jakarta, scheduled to begin on Monday (03/08/2026). Additionally, mall managers in Surabaya have agreed to adjust their fence designs to avoid high constructions that create a closed impression.
According to Maruarar, these decisions are the result of constructive dialogue between the government and business players. He explained that discussions covered not only the function of shopping centres as commercial areas but also the fact that most modern mall complexes are integrated with apartments and hotels, forming part of residential areas.
Regarding market expansion, James noted that entrepreneurs, particularly in the retail and shop sectors, are currently actively expanding. However, he acknowledged that a small number of entrepreneurs remain anxious due to the global situation, warning that those who hesitate may fall behind and suffer losses. He expressed absolute confidence in Indonesia.
James expressed optimism regarding Indonesia’s future, particularly after hearing President Prabowo’s presentation during the Kadin meeting. He noted that Prabowo possesses a clear vision for policies designed not only to face current global challenges but also to position Indonesia strategically for the future.
“The vision for our nation’s economic defence is to address current challenges while maintaining an offensive stance to seize opportunities for Indonesia’s future positioning,” he said.
He further praised the government’s courage in implementing various breakthroughs, citing priority programmes such as food self-sufficiency, downstreaming, energy security, and the 3-million-house programme. He also commended the formation of the Danantara Investment Agency as a spearhead for achieving ‘Indonesia Incorporated’.
James concluded by noting that while some entrepreneurs may be wary of global volatility, Indonesia remains a primary destination for global investors. He cited the robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) industries as examples, noting that global tech companies are looking to enter Indonesia, particularly in areas like Batam, Jakarta, and Karawang, due to sufficient energy resources and global fibre connectivity. Furthermore, he noted that Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy has allowed access to critical technologies, such as chips from the US, positioning Indonesia to become a technological hub for ASEAN and the Global South.