Whether you are a spender or half-hearted shopper, there is sure to be something for everybody in Jakarta, the nation’s shopping capital. The broad selection of things which you may purchase in Jakarta is mind-boggling from the best of local handicrafts to haute couture labels. On Jakartans, shopping and spending the entire day in malls is amusement. The malls are places to hang out and spend the weekend with family and friends. For, Jakarta malls provide everything from department shops, luxury boutiques, grocery store upmarket restaurants, food centers, cafes, bookstores, children playground, beauty salons, to cinemas, all under one roof and also in total air-conditioned comfort.
Some became household names, and are known by their initials, as PIM, CITOS, GANCIT, SENCY and much more. If you’re searching for international top designer boutiques, head to Jalan Thamrin Sudirman, at which are Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, and FX. Senayan Plaza and Senayan City in the Kebayoran region are catering to the upmarket customers, like Gandaria City, Dharmawangsa Square, Pasaraya Grande, Pondok Indah Mall, and Kemang. Then there’s Pacific Place in Kuningan, another favorite haunt. But every one of Jakarta’s numerous districts has one or more than finding things to purchase and eat are all in easy reach.
However, if you’re searching for something mainly to purchase, then here are a few hints. Batik today is stylish in Indonesia. Outlets selling collections are numerous, but the famous names are Danar Hadi, Batik Keris, and Batik Semar, which may also be located in malls. Indonesian Designers also have their very own stalls, mostly situated around the Kemang region. However, for wholesale and inexpensive batik, head to Thamrin Plaza, for batik garments, materials, and accessories. For dresses and fabrics both produced domestically or imported, you’ll discover these in Blok A Tanah Abang or Mangga Dua north of Jakarta.
Indonesia is also a manufacturer of purses and shoes, these may be located here and in the more prominent malls. For Indonesian handicrafts, best areas are Batik Keris, Pasaraya Grande, Sarinah, or Grand Indonesia Plaza. Here you’ll find a collection of batik, ikats, silverware, wood carving and much more. UKM Gallery in Gatot Subroto is another handicraft center. If you’re intrigued in stone, both precious or semi-precious, then the Rawa Bening Market in Jatinegara is the location, where you could discover rubies, agates, emeralds, amethysts from the basketful. Other specialty markets comprise the Bird market. For antiques and second-hand suitcases, head to Jalan Surabaya flea market. Plants and orchids are sold around the city of Senayan or heading for Taman Mini garden. Jakarta has really everything and anything you may just be looking for.
Clare Louise 
Paul Petersen