Nestled in the bustling city of Jakarta, M Bloc Space has emerged as one of the most vibrant creative hubs in Indonesia. Located in the Blok M area of South Jakarta, this repurposed complex, formerly a dormant government-owned building, is now teeming with cultural activity. It serves as a haven for young creatives, musicians, entrepreneurs, and lovers of art, music, and gastronomy. One of the main highlights of this destination is its tenants a diverse lineup of local businesses, creative spaces, and indie brands that together define the M Bloc experience.
Overview of M Bloc Space
From Abandoned Site to Cultural Epicenter
Originally an old Peruri (state-owned money printing company) warehouse, M Bloc Space was transformed into a multi-functional creative space in 2019. The site now houses various tenants, from music venues and coffee shops to lifestyle stores and restaurants. What makes M Bloc Space stand out is its commitment to showcasing Indonesian culture while providing an eco-conscious and community-oriented environment.
Attracting a Creative Crowd
M Bloc Space has gained popularity among Jakarta’s youth and cultural enthusiasts due to its support for local brands and its regular lineup of events, including art exhibitions, music performances, workshops, and talk shows. The tenants here are more than just businesses they are integral contributors to a shared creative identity.
Types of Tenants at M Bloc Space
Food and Beverage
The culinary scene at M Bloc Space is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to sample local flavors with a contemporary twist. Some of the most popular F&B tenants include:
- Titik Temu Coffee: Known for its comfortable ambiance and expertly crafted beverages, this café is a popular hangout for creatives and remote workers.
- Suwe Ora Jamu: This modern herbal drink shop offers traditional Indonesian jamu (herbal tonics) with a fresh twist, emphasizing health and heritage.
- Kopi TUKU: A beloved local coffee chain that brings affordable yet high-quality Indonesian coffee to the masses.
- Oeang: A nostalgic dining concept that blends classic Indonesian flavors with retro decor, inspired by the building’s history tied to currency printing.
Retail and Lifestyle
Shopping at M Bloc is a unique experience thanks to a curated selection of independent and sustainable local brands. Tenants in this category focus on fashion, literature, and lifestyle goods:
- Demibumi: A sustainable brand selling eco-friendly daily use products such as bamboo cutlery, reusable bags, and personal care items.
- Showcase Store: A rotating pop-up shop that features different local brands every month, allowing young entrepreneurs a platform to sell and promote their products.
Music and Entertainment
M Bloc is well-known for its contributions to Indonesia’s independent music scene. Several tenants cater to musicians, fans, and performers:
- M Bloc Live House: A music venue that hosts regular gigs, album launches, and even film screenings. With great acoustics and lighting, it has quickly become a favorite among both artists and audiences.
- Record Stores: Small vinyl shops that focus on Indonesian music history, jazz, rock, and indie collections.
- Ruang Rupa Collaborations: Occasional tie-ins with the prominent Jakarta-based art collective bring conceptual exhibitions and performances to the space.
Creative Offices and Studios
M Bloc Space also includes office and studio tenants that serve as the engine room behind Jakarta’s creative industry:
- Production Houses: Small film and digital media studios work on campaigns, music videos, and short films.
- Art Studios: Spaces used by painters, illustrators, and crafters who often host open-studio days or workshops for the public.
Community and Collaboration
Tenant Collaboration
What truly defines the M Bloc Space ecosystem is the collaborative spirit among its tenants. It’s common to see a coffee shop partnering with a local music label for a pop-up event, or a fashion boutique working with visual artists to design new merchandise. This synergy fosters innovation and gives rise to experiences that are uniquely M Bloc.
Community Events
M Bloc frequently organizes events that are open to the public, often hosted by or in collaboration with the tenants:
- Open Mic Nights Providing a platform for amateur poets, musicians, and comedians.
- Weekend Bazaars A chance for indie brands and culinary pop-ups to showcase their products.
- Workshops Topics range from sustainable living and creative writing to screen printing and podcasting.
Design and Environment
Architectural Appeal
Part of the charm of M Bloc is its industrial aesthetic, with many original elements of the former Peruri facility preserved or reimagined. Raw concrete, exposed pipes, and vintage accents reflect the site’s past while embracing its new identity as a modern urban venue.
Green Initiatives
Many tenants are committed to sustainability, from serving beverages without plastic straws to selling products in recyclable or compostable packaging. Demibumi, for instance, regularly hosts environmental awareness campaigns and zero-waste workshops in collaboration with other brands on site.
Why Tenants Thrive at M Bloc
Supportive Ecosystem
Tenant success is partly due to M Bloc’s supportive management structure, which prioritizes local entrepreneurs and creatives over large corporate chains. This ensures that each tenant aligns with the space’s vision of cultural empowerment and creative freedom.
Built-in Audience
Because of its location near public transit and its ever-growing reputation, M Bloc naturally draws high foot traffic. This provides tenants with a consistent stream of visitors without the need for aggressive marketing.
Networking Opportunities
The close proximity of like-minded businesses fosters networking and skill-sharing among tenants. Artists, chefs, musicians, and designers have the opportunity to collaborate on passion projects and business ventures alike.
Future Growth of M Bloc Tenancy
Expansion of Spaces
Plans are in motion to expand the M Bloc concept to other cities and locations, replicating the same creative formula. This opens up opportunities for existing tenants to grow their businesses or act as mentors for new entrepreneurs.
Digital Integration
With an increasing digital presence, many tenants are now blending physical and online retail experiences. From digital concerts to online zine launches, M Bloc’s tenant community is evolving with the times.
M Bloc Space is more than just a collection of stores and cafés it’s a living, breathing creative ecosystem shaped by its tenants. Each tenant, from the small indie bookstore to the buzzing live music venue, contributes something unique to the overall experience. Their passion, innovation, and collaboration help M Bloc thrive as one of Jakarta’s most important cultural landmarks. For visitors and locals alike, exploring M Bloc means discovering the heart of Indonesia’s urban creative movement, one tenant at a time.