TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ever since it was introduced to the public on September 26, 2019, Jakarta’s M Bloc Space has seen an increase in visitations. The location that was once a warehouse for the country’s state-owned banknote printing firm has turned into the city's creative hub.

One unique feature at the M Bloc Space is the absence of a parking lot as the area tends to accommodate pedestrians.

“We only want people to grow the culture of walking and the use of public transportation,” said M Bloc Space Executive, Handoko Hendroyono to Tempo on Tuesday, November 19.

Handoko said that it goes with the area’s location that is nearby the MRT ASEAN station, Blok M bus terminal, and Transjakarta’s Blok M bus stop.

“Utilizing public transport reduces pollution. Traveling without a personal vehicle is actually something cool,” he said.

He says that prior to M Bloc’s inception, the idea was to build a creative space in Solo located in Lokananta, Indonesia’s first recording company. However, the idea was then projected to the current location after a partnership deal was made with Peruri.

M Bloc Space is also equipped with a 450-square meter “live house” area for musical performances that will feature curated 109 musical groups across Indonesia during a one-year schedule.

BRAM SETIAWAN (CONTRIBUTOR)