The Allure of Martha Tiahahu Literary Park and the 'Blok M Everywhere' Phenomenon

The Blok M area in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, is no longer dominated by terminal traffic but has transformed into a key gathering spot for young people and Gen Z in the capital, centred around the Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park. Located on Jalan Sisingamangaraja, the park has a long history. According to Multikultura Journal of Cultural Diversity, it has existed since the era of Jakarta Military Governor Daan Jahja in 1948. Spanning approximately 9,710 square metres, the Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park now offers modern facilities including a mini-library, amphitheatre, children’s playground, toilets, a prayer room, and diverse food options. These comprehensive facilities have made the park a primary destination for young people, particularly during weekends and evenings. Nasya (21), a journalism student who frequently visits the park, acknowledges that Blok M has become a magnet and hub for Jakarta’s youth. “Nowadays, people are visiting Blok M more often. Some even refer to it as the ‘Blok M nation’, where everything is about Blok M — hanging out, dating, even content creation happens there,” said Nasya at the Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park in South Jakarta on Wednesday (20 May). “Weekends here are extremely busy, with parking lots full. People’s perception of the area has definitely changed from what it used to be,” Nasya added. The green space is also used for various activities such as reading, studying, and working. Adi (23), a recent graduate and content creator, regularly shoots street photography here. “I usually come to Blok M to create content, taking random photos of people. If I see someone with an interesting style, I approach them and ask to take their photo,” Adi said. Adi likened Blok M to a paradise for Gen Z gatherings. Budget-friendly Besides its facilities and location, affordability is the main reason why the Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park is popular among Gen Z. Simply sitting in the park incurs no cost. However, according to Adi, coffee shops in the area can be expensive. For those looking to chill without spending, this open-space park is ideal. Nasya echoed this sentiment, noting that the freedom to bring outside food helps them manage expenses during gatherings. “We don’t have to stick to the prices at nearby cafes, which can often be higher than expected. The freedom to bring our own food is a plus,” Nasya said. This convenience is bolstered by easy public transport access. The Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park is considered a key transit point, situated at the convergence of Blok M-Sisingamangaraja transport hubs, including the CSW Integrasi Centrale Stichting Wederoupbouw bus stop, Blok M terminal, and Jakarta MRT station. The Martha Christina Tiahahu Literary Park was launched during Governor Anies Rasyid Baswedan’s tenure in 2021. The construction project was managed by PT Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ) before being officially reopened on 18 September 2022. During the reopening, Anies stated that the literary park underscores Jakarta’s role not merely as a political and economic hub. “But Jakarta is also a centre of literacy in Indonesia. In fact, Jakarta has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the global landscape,” Anies said. Since its reopening, the park has become a new gathering spot for Jakarta’s youth, going viral and remaining a popular choice that complements the existing ‘Blok M Nation’. The park is named after Martha Christina Tiahahu, a Maluku-born national heroine who fought alongside Pattimura, joining the battle at just 17 years old. According to Jakarta Smart City, the name honours not only her femininity but also her spirit and bravery in fighting for the nation’s independence.