The Conglomerate Figure Behind the Kokas Mall

For Jakarta residents, who doesn’t know Mal Kota Kasablanka, or more commonly called Kokas? Kokas is one of the largest and busiest shopping centres in South Jakarta. Located on Jalan Raya Casablanca, Tebet, this mall has become a favourite destination for the capital’s residents for shopping, dining, and family entertainment. Since opening in 2012, Kokas has developed into one of the icons of the Casablanca area. Its strategic location on the route connecting Kuningan, Sudirman, and Tebet makes this shopping centre crowded every day, especially on weekends. Based on company information, Mal Kota Kasablanka is owned and managed by PT Pakuwon Jati Tbk (PWON), one of Indonesia’s largest property developers. The company is under the umbrella of the Pakuwon Group. The Pakuwon Group is a property group founded by entrepreneur Alexander Tedja in 1982. In addition to Kota Kasablanka, the Pakuwon Group also manages several other renowned properties such as Tunjungan Plaza in Surabaya and Gandaria City in Jakarta. Compiled from the official Pakuwon Group website, Alexander Tedja was born in Medan on 22 September 1945 and currently resides in Jakarta. Before achieving major success in the property industry, he was long involved in the film and cinema business. He pioneered PT ISAE Film since 1972, PT Pan Asiatic Film since 1991, and PT Menara Mitra Cinema Corp since 1977. As his business grew rapidly, Alex began expanding into the property sector. In 1982, Alex started building malls by establishing PT Pakuwon Jati. The company was started from a plot of land on Jalan Basuki Rahmat, Surabaya. Several projects were developed on that land, one of which is Plaza Tunjungan, Surabaya. Tunjungan Plaza officially began operations in 1986, and its area has continued to expand, now holding the status of Indonesia’s largest shopping centre. Still quoting the company website, Alexander Tedja remains actively in control of Pakuwon. He currently serves as President Commissioner and previously served as President Director of Pakuwon Jati (1989-1998). His name is recorded as a direct shareholder of PWON at 0.02 percent, as well as ownership of 68.68 percent of the company’s shares through PT Pakuwon Arthaniaga.