Ramadan Yet to Arrive, but Shoppers Already Flock to Tanah Abang for Eid Outfits
The Tanah Abang Market area in Central Jakarta was thronged with visitors today. Despite Ramadan not yet having arrived, many residents have already begun hunting for Eid outfits.
Based on detikcom's observations at the location on Tuesday (17 February 2026), the majority of visitors were women. Some also brought their children along as they browsed the Tanah Abang district.
Most visitors crowded into shops selling women's Muslim clothing. Gamis dresses and headscarves were in high demand among prospective buyers.
Among them was Nur (45), who came shopping with a friend from Cikupa, Tangerang Regency. Nur had planned her trip to Tanah Abang well in advance.
"Yes, it was planned — we'd been intending to come for a while. This is only my second time at Tanah Abang," said Nur.
Nur said she deliberately shopped for Eid necessities despite the holiday still being some way off. She did so to avoid the crush of visitors closer to Eid.
"The plan is for Eid, God willing. It's fine to buy things bit by bit — that way it's more comfortable, and you just pick up the rest later," she said.
"It's cheaper too. I've got a lot of items. And it's not as crowded when you shop early," she added.
Another visitor, Sekar (33), was also looking for Muslim attire for her husband ahead of the fasting month. Sekar came with her husband from East Jakarta.
"We're looking for koko shirts. We arrived in the morning and have already bought one outfit," said Sekar.
To avoid overspending, Sekar set a limit of a maximum of three outfits. If that proved insufficient, she said she would return to Tanah Abang another day.
"I've set a limit — a maximum of three outfits. If it's not enough this time, I'll probably come back again," she said.
Based on detikcom's observations at the location on Tuesday (17 February 2026), the majority of visitors were women. Some also brought their children along as they browsed the Tanah Abang district.
Most visitors crowded into shops selling women's Muslim clothing. Gamis dresses and headscarves were in high demand among prospective buyers.
Among them was Nur (45), who came shopping with a friend from Cikupa, Tangerang Regency. Nur had planned her trip to Tanah Abang well in advance.
"Yes, it was planned — we'd been intending to come for a while. This is only my second time at Tanah Abang," said Nur.
Nur said she deliberately shopped for Eid necessities despite the holiday still being some way off. She did so to avoid the crush of visitors closer to Eid.
"The plan is for Eid, God willing. It's fine to buy things bit by bit — that way it's more comfortable, and you just pick up the rest later," she said.
"It's cheaper too. I've got a lot of items. And it's not as crowded when you shop early," she added.
Another visitor, Sekar (33), was also looking for Muslim attire for her husband ahead of the fasting month. Sekar came with her husband from East Jakarta.
"We're looking for koko shirts. We arrived in the morning and have already bought one outfit," said Sekar.
To avoid overspending, Sekar set a limit of a maximum of three outfits. If that proved insufficient, she said she would return to Tanah Abang another day.
"I've set a limit — a maximum of three outfits. If it's not enough this time, I'll probably come back again," she said.