The Best Shopping Mall in Jakarta for Expats – Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, boasts a vibrant mall culture with nearly 200 shopping centers scattered throughout the city. For expatriates living in Jakarta, these malls serve as essential lifestyle hubs that offer climate-controlled environments, international brands, diverse dining options, and entertainment facilities.
Understanding Jakarta’s Mall Culture
Shopping mall Jakarta represent much more than retail spaces; they embody lifestyle destinations where people socialize, dine, work, and play. For expatriates, malls provide familiar comforts while offering glimpses into Indonesian culture through local brands and cuisines.
Visitor Statistics and Trends
According to data from Indonesia’s PeduliLindungi application for the period between January 23 and February 6, 2022, the most frequented malls in Jakarta attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. Pondok Indah Mall led with 512,609 visitors, followed by Kota Kasablanka with 436,532, and Summarecon Mall Kelapa Gading with 433,422 visitors. This data reveals the immense popularity of Jakarta’s mall scene and provides statistical backing for our mall selection.
The Best Shopping Mall in Jakarta for Expats
Based on comprehensive visitor data and detailed research, this article explores the best shopping mall Jakarta that cater exceptionally well to the expatriate community’s needs and preferences.
1. Pondok Indah Mall (PIM)
Pondok Indah Mall, located in South Jakarta’s affluent Kebayoran Lama district, ranks as Jakarta’s most visited shopping destination. PIM comprises multiple connected buildings (PIM 1, 2, and 3), offering a comprehensive shopping experience.
Shopping Experience at PIM
PIM features an impressive mix of international and local brands across its 57,000 square meters of lettable area. The mall caters to the upscale market, providing a clean, modern, and air-conditioned environment that appeals particularly to expatriates and affluent locals. The family-oriented mall is known for its friendly Indonesian hospitality, with attendants always ready to greet guests and assist with doors.
Dining Options at PIM
PIM houses nearly 100 restaurants and cafés, ranging from local Indonesian cuisine to international offerings. Notable establishments include Hanei Sushi and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on the 3rd floor, which are particularly popular among Japanese expatriates. Gyu-Kaku offers premium cuts of meat that diners can grill at their tables, creating an interactive dining experience popular among the expatriate community.
Entertainment Facilities at PIM
The mall features modern movie theaters, making it an excellent destination for entertainment. PIM 1 and PIM 2 are connected by two-tiered pedestrian bridges, ensuring seamless movement between all areas of the complex. The mall’s convenient location in South Jakarta makes it easily accessible for expatriates living in the prestigious neighborhoods nearby.
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2. Kota Kasablanka (Kokas)
Ranking second in visitor numbers, Kota Kasablanka is a modern shopping center in South Jakarta that has gained significant popularity for its innovative design and extensive offerings.
Shopping Experience at Kokas
Kokas is distinguished by its modern and innovative architectural design that creates a visually appealing shopping environment. The mall’s elegant structure with large glass windows and open steel frameworks gives it a futuristic appeal that attracts many visitors.
Dining Options at Kokas
As one of Jakarta’s premier shopping destinations, Kokas offers a diverse range of dining options. The mall houses various restaurants serving both local Indonesian cuisine and international fare, catering to diverse culinary preferences.
Entertainment Facilities at Kokas
Kokas provides a well-rounded entertainment experience with spacious atriums that frequently host events and exhibitions. The natural light entering through large windows creates a pleasant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their time beyond just shopping.
3. Grand Indonesia
Located in Central Jakarta’s Menteng district, Grand Indonesia ranks fourth in visitor traffic with 433,319 visitors during the measured period. It represents one of the city’s most comprehensive retail destinations.
Shopping Experience at Grand Indonesia
Completed in 2007, Grand Indonesia spans seven floors with a total lettable area of 108,000 square meters. Its strategic location on Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. 1 makes it highly accessible for visitors throughout Jakarta. The mall offers a wide range of international and local brands, making it a one-stop shopping destination.
Dining Options at Grand Indonesia
Grand Indonesia features numerous dining establishments across its various levels, offering both local Indonesian delicacies and international cuisine. The food courts and specialty restaurants cater to different budgets and taste preferences, making it suitable for expatriates seeking both familiar foods and local culinary adventures.
Entertainment Facilities at Grand Indonesia
The mall incorporates various entertainment options, including cinema complexes and activity centers. Its central location in Jakarta makes it a popular venue for social gatherings and leisure activities among the expatriate community.
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4. Plaza Indonesia
Connected by a sky bridge, Plaza Indonesia stands as one of Jakarta’s most luxurious shopping destinations.
Shopping Experience at Plaza Indonesia
Originally built in 1980 and renovated multiple times, Plaza Indonesia caters to luxury shoppers with a substantial collection of international designer brands while also offering mid-range options. Its prime location near the Selamat Datang (Welcome) Statue in Central Jakarta makes it easily accessible to tourists and expatriates staying in the area’s premium hotels.
Dining Options at Plaza Indonesia
The mall hosts numerous upscale restaurants and cafés serving various international cuisines. Its dining establishments are known for their quality and ambiance, making them popular choices for business lunches and social gatherings among expatriates.
Entertainment Facilities at Plaza Indonesia
Plaza Indonesia is part of a larger complex that includes the Grand Hyatt Jakarta and The Keraton at the Plaza, providing integrated entertainment and accommodation options. The mall’s proximity to Jakarta’s central business district and the Monas (National Monument) adds to its appeal as a convenient leisure destination for expatriates working in the area.
5. Pacific Place Jakarta
Recognized by Forbes as one of the top shopping malls in Jakarta in January 2017, Pacific Place is a multipurpose building located in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD).
Shopping Experience at Pacific Place
Pacific Place Mall opened in November 2007 and spreads across six floors with two underground levels. The mall boasts anchor tenants such as Galeries Lafayette, the luxurious French department store that opened its Jakarta branch in 2013 (the second in Asia after Dubai). Other notable stores include Prada, Miu Miu, and Muji.
Dining Options at Pacific Place
The basement level includes Kem Chicks supermarket and various restaurants catering to diverse culinary preferences. The mall’s strategic location in SCBD, one of Jakarta’s main entertainment districts, makes it a popular dining destination for business professionals and expatriates working in the area.
Entertainment Facilities at Pacific Place
Beyond shopping, Pacific Place offers entertainment options like CGV Cinemas. The complex also includes the One Pacific Place Office Center and The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place hotel, creating an integrated lifestyle destination. With a direct bridge to the Jakarta Stock Exchange, it’s particularly convenient for expatriates working in the financial sector.
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6. Central Park Mall
Part of the Podomoro City complex in West Jakarta, Central Park Mall ranked fifth in visitor traffic with 381,813 visitors.
Shopping Experience at Central Park
Built on a 188,077 m² land area, Central Park Mall targets upper-middle-class consumers with well-known tenants like SOGO department store and Transmart. The mall features an outdoor area called Tribeka that offers a different shopping atmosphere, though some visitors note that it can have unpleasant odors due to pets.
Dining Options at Central Park
Central Park houses numerous food and beverage outlets, including Union, Starbucks, Dragon Hotpot, Burger King, Sushi Tei, Kintan Buffet, and Georgia. The diversity of dining options makes it a popular culinary destination among expatriates and locals alike.
Entertainment Facilities at Central Park
Entertainment facilities include CGV Cinemas and Celebrity Fitness, providing options for movie enthusiasts and health-conscious visitors. According to 2023 data, the mall attracts approximately 100,000-110,000 visitors on weekdays and over 120,000 on weekends, demonstrating its consistent popularity.
7. Mall Taman Anggrek
Named after a real orchid garden that previously occupied the site, Mall Taman Anggrek (MTA) in West Jakarta ranked seventh in visitor traffic with 263,587 visitors.
Shopping Experience at Taman Anggrek
Opened on August 28, 1996, Taman Anggrek was once the largest shopping center in Southeast Asia until the opening of Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur in 2003. With 526 stores across seven retail floors and a total retail floor area of 130,000 m², it remains one of Indonesia’s largest malls. Anchor tenants include IKEA, Matahari, Decathlon, Uniqlo, and Ace Hardware.
Dining Options at Taman Anggrek
The mall features Hero Supermarket and numerous dining establishments throughout its seven floors, offering a wide range of culinary options for visitors. The food courts and specialty restaurants cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Entertainment Facilities at Taman Anggrek
Taman Anggrek houses Southeast Asia’s oldest running indoor ice rink, the 1,240 m² Skyrink Jakarta, which opened on August 20, 1997. Other entertainment facilities include Cinema XXI and Fitness First. The mall also boasts an 8,675.3 m² LED facade, which once held the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest illuminated LED facade.
8. Mall of Indonesia (MOI)
Located in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Mall of Indonesia (MOI) opened on August 8, 2008, offering a unique shopping experience with European-inspired design elements.
Shopping Experience at MOI
Spread across five floors with a total retail floor area of 100,000 m², MOI houses anchor tenants like Carrefour, Uniqlo, and Flix Cinema. The mall features an atrium designed to resemble one of the towers in Venice, with star-patterned ceiling decorations19. PASARMOI on the Lower Ground level offers extensive selections of food and beverages, fashion, accessories, and other items across more than 4,000 sqm.
Dining Options at MOI
MOI is located near Nagomi Japanese Restaurant, a popular dining spot for Japanese expatriates with a 4.4-star rating. Inside the mall, PASARMOI serves as a food hub with numerous dining options, including SHIGERU, a Japanese fresh deli selling sushi, kushi katsu, and other Japanese delicacies.
Entertainment Facilities at MOI
Entertainment options include Flix Cinema (formerly BlitzMegaplex), which opened its third branch in Jakarta here—the only one available in Kelapa Gading at the time. The mall’s unique European-inspired design, including imitations of Venice and San Diego areas, adds to its appeal as an entertainment destination.
9. Senayan City
Located in Central Jakarta, Senayan City ranked eighth in visitor traffic with 249,858 visitors.
Shopping Experience at Senayan City
Senayan City is positioned as an upscale mall catering to fashion-conscious shoppers. The mall houses a variety of international and local brands, creating a diverse shopping experience for expatriates looking for both familiar global brands and unique Indonesian products.
Dining Options at Senayan City
The mall offers a wide range of dining establishments, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. The variety caters to different culinary preferences, making it a popular dining destination in central Jakarta.
Entertainment Facilities at Senayan City
Senayan City provides entertainment options that appeal to the expatriate community, including cinema complexes and event spaces that regularly host exhibitions and performances.
10. Plaza Senayan
Located about 7 km southwest of the National Monument (Monas) at the southern end of Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District, Plaza Senayan offers a colonial-style shopping experience.
Shopping Experience at Plaza Senayan
Plaza Senayan caters primarily to luxury shoppers who prefer high-end international brands. The mall features a rectangular design with a colonial-style central atrium featuring an elegant elevator and a musical clock that plays music hourly. Metro and Sogo serve as anchor stores, located at opposite ends of the mall.
Dining Options at Plaza Senayan
The mall offers a nice selection of restaurants catering to diverse culinary tastes. The quality dining options make it popular among expatriates working in the nearby business district.
Entertainment Facilities at Plaza Senayan
Plaza Senayan houses Cinema 21 featuring both local and international movies (with Indonesian subtitles for foreign films), a bowling alley, and a billiards area. The mall is family-friendly, with multiple baby change stations throughout. Shopping at Plaza Senayan is reportedly more pleasant during weekdays when it’s less crowded than on weekends.
Conclusion
Jakarta’s shopping malls offer expatriates comfortable, convenient environments that combine retail therapy, culinary adventures, and entertainment options. Based on visitor statistics and amenities, Pondok Indah Mall emerges as the most popular destination, followed closely by Kota Kasablanka and Grand Indonesia. Each mall has its unique character and offerings, from the luxury focus of Plaza Indonesia and Pacific Place to the entertainment emphasis of Taman Anggrek with its indoor ice rink.
For expatriates navigating life in Jakarta, these malls provide not just shopping opportunities but also climate-controlled sanctuaries from Jakarta’s weather, meeting points for social gatherings, and windows into both international and local cultures. The comprehensive facilities and services available make these malls integral to expatriate life in Indonesia’s capital city.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Jakarta mall is most popular among expatriates with families?
Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) is highly recommended for expatriate families. It offers a family-oriented environment with nearly 100 restaurants and cafés, movie theaters, and supermarkets. The mall is known for its safety, cleanliness, and friendly Indonesian hospitality, with attendants always ready to assist visitors.
What are the best malls for Japanese and Korean expatriates in Jakarta?
Pondok Indah Mall features popular Japanese dining spots like Yakiniku Like and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ on the 3rd floor. Mall of Indonesia is near Nagomi Japanese Restaurant, which is popular among Japanese expatriates. Pacific Place and Plaza Indonesia in the SCBD area are also popular among Asian expatriates due to their proximity to business districts and luxury hotel accommodations.
How accessible are Jakarta malls via public transportation?
Most major Jakarta malls have good public transportation connections. For example, Mall Taman Anggrek is accessible via TransJakarta BRT, TransJakarta Borderline Connector (routes S11, T12), TransJakarta Inner City Feeder (route 8E), and Mikrotrans Jaklingko (route JAK-53). However, many expatriates prefer using taxi services or ride-hailing apps due to convenience and Jakarta’s often challenging traffic conditions.
What are the typical opening hours for Jakarta shopping malls?
Most Jakarta malls operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Some malls like Plaza Indonesia extend their hours until midnight on weekends and public holidays. Plaza Senayan maintains consistent hours from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. It’s advisable to check specific mall websites for current operating hours, as these may change during Ramadan, major holidays, or special events.
Which Jakarta mall offers the best luxury shopping experience?
Plaza Indonesia and Pacific Place stand out for luxury shopping. Plaza Indonesia houses many international designer brands and is physically connected to the Grand Hyatt Jakarta and The Keraton at the Plaza. Pacific Place features luxury anchors like Galeries Lafayette (the second branch in Asia after Dubai) and stores like Prada and Miu Miu that opened in 2015. Both malls provide premium shopping experiences in elegant environments frequented by expatriates and affluent locals.