Travel & Living

The biggest wholesale market in SE AsiaAccording to Jakarta's local government, the building is a mix of Betawi (Batavia) and Islamic architecture,while others say that it looks like a mosque. Whichever version you subscribe to, the dual face of block A, also known as the Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta, is always interesting and worth a visit.

Tanah Abang is Jakarta's textile and apparel center. One can find just about any type or style of clothing here, which makes the Tanah Abang Market as attractive as any other shopping outlet. The original market burnt down in 2002, and its current, newly rebuilt version has been in operation since 2007. The new Block A covers 18 floors: 12 floors of kiosks, 5 floors of parking and a floor for the food court. At the top –on the 14th floor – there's even a mosque which can accommodate up to 2000 worshipers.

Many people think that the Tanah Abang market is an inconvenience;dense, hot, crowded and rife with many pickpockets. However, such stereotypes are no longer true. While this market remains crowded, it's still comfortable, equipped with air conditioning on every floor. The security guards at every floor assure a seemless security system. Elevators are strategically located and ensure that visitors walk easily and tirelessly around the market. ATMs are available inside the building, adding to the overall convenience of shopping here. Sign boards are also provided so that visitors do not get lost inside this sprawling retail center.Moslem fashion is one of the favorites products offered by Tanah Abang market

In addition to its fame as a retail outlet, this market is also known as a center for wholesale buyers who are attracted to the low prices on offer. Buyers can also find other merchandise here such as carpets and electronic goods. The food court, conveniently located on the 8th floor of the building, offers various kinds of food, and prices are quite affordable too, ranging between 5000-20000 Rps.

Tanah Abang dates back to the Dutch colonial times. In the past, Tanah Abang used to be an agricultural area and home to the first Chinese-owned farms. When the economy began to grow, the rich merchants of the Netherlands (Justinus Vinck) set up a market in that area in 1735. The original thatched building was made largely of bamboo, and the market was allowed by the Dutch East Indies government to operate only on Saturdays, selling primarily textile goods, vegetables and groceries.

Tanah Abang market is now a major textile supplier to various regions in Indonesia. It's also known as the largest textile trading center in Southeast Asia, attracting about two million visitors annually. Most visitors are local merchants who travel from various cities in Indonesia. There are also overseas merchants from various countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines as well as traders from the African continent. Today, the market amounts to about 15% of Jakarta's economy. Stated differently, Tanah Abangis expected to contribute about 9% to Indonesia's total economy.

Prices in Tanah Abang market are competitive and affordable by Indonesian standardsAccording to Tanah Abang's website, people who engage in daily activities at the market average more than 21,625 people and include 10,000 consumers, 5,500 merchants and 5,500 kiosks. Money changers from the Dutch colonial period have now been replaced with six modern banking institutions. While prices vary, they remain largely comparable to other older unrenovated blocks around Jakarta, sufficiently affordable by Indonesian standards. The most widely sold items here are clothes specializing in Muslim women's dress, with an entirely dedicated floor. On the ground and basement levels, various types of textiles with various motifs and patterns are on display. In addition to fabric for clothing, there's also fabric for curtains and upholstery.

Tanah Abang Market has remained a multi-ethnics trading center over the years. The diverse businesses operating here include those of Minang tribes, Chinese merchants, Arab traders, and Batavian shopkeepers.Mrs. Maryani, one of the stall owners in Block A, has been trading here for more than 10 years. "Every month, we can expect about 20 million Rps worth of sales. On the feast of Fitr, we can sell two-fold, "explains Mrs. Maryani to TNOL.

For fashionistas of limited means, this is where to get goods at a fraction of the prices of other retail centers. For a mere Rp 50,000 for example, buyers can get a shirt or various kinds of socks, even a wallet. A pair of shoes can be had for about Rp 100,000. Despite the mass production of goods here, the quality of the textiles and designs is often maintained. And when prices are so cheap, you too can change your wardrobe every season!