From Indonesia★ "Station-Inside" Appears in Jakarta!

In Jakarta, convenience stores are increasingly opening within railway station premises. Major stations are now seeing multiple retailers establish outlets. With public transportation infrastructure expanding—including plans for new designs at many stations of the under-construction Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system—this presents new business opportunities for Japanese retailers. NNA, which distributes economic information on Asia, reports.

The expansion of convenience stores within station premises is being promoted by the national railway operator, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). This initiative aims to enhance the cleanliness of station areas and improve passenger convenience by actively attracting modern retail outlets. Previously, the proliferation of street stalls obstructed pedestrian flow; new vendors within station premises must now meet established hygiene standards.

At Pasar Mungki Station in South Jakarta, 89 existing stalls were removed last year as part of efforts to attract modern retailers. New regulations, such as prohibiting the use of gas stoves, were introduced. Passengers have commented that "the station has become more comfortable since the stalls were removed."
Inside Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta, there is an "Indomaret" operated by local Indomaret Prismatama and a "7-Eleven" licensed by Modern International. In front of the station, "Alfamart," operated by the largest retailer Sumbul Alfaria Trijaya, has also established a store.
Yuki Hayashi, Vice President of retail giant Midi Utama Indonesia, which operates Lawson stores in Indonesia, commented to NNA, "Stations are attractive locations due to their strong customer draw." While the company previously declined to open stores due to unfavorable conditions, it now seeks opportunities to open near ticket gates and other areas. Lawson had 62 stores in Indonesia as of the end of 2013. Currently, it also operates one store near Gambir Station in Central Jakarta, a bustling hub for long-distance train passengers.

Public transportation infrastructure is expanding in Indonesia, centered on the capital. The Ministry of Transportation plans to build a large station at Central Jakarta's Dukuh Atas. This station will serve as a hub connecting the high-speed rail linking Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport with the MRT.
The goal is to reduce the use of private cars and motorcycles for commuting, a major cause of traffic congestion, by improving public transportation convenience. Developing terminal stations that connect various transportation modes could attract more users, potentially creating markets similar to Japan's "station-based" retail spaces.