Had President Sukarno not been inspired by his childhood caregiver, this iconic landmark might have a different name. That landmark is Sarinah. Sarinah Building stands tall as Jakarta’s first skyscraper. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Indonesia’s history and progress.
Sarinah is located at the intersection of Jalan Kyai Haji Wahid Hasyim and Jalan M. H. Thamrin. This 74-meter-tall department store boasts 15 floors. It was also Jakarta’s first modern department store. Imagine the novelty of Indonesia’s first escalators installed by Hitachi. Air conditioning offered a cool escape from Jakarta’s heat. Electronic cash registers streamlined transactions.
Sarinah’s story began in 1963. PT Department Store Indonesia Sarinah laid its foundation on April 23. Obayashi Corporation and Adhi Karya built the store. They used Japanese war reparation funds. On December 22 1965 the building was handed over to Sarinah. Sarinah was inaugurated on August 15 1966.
In the 1990s, Sarinah adapted to changing times. Leasing space to McDonald’s, its first Indonesian branch, attracted young people. Hard Rock Cafe added to the appeal. Sarinah rejuvenated itself as a popular hub.
Expansion plans emerged. Two forty-one story towers were planned. They would complement the shopping center. These towers would house restaurants, offices and exhibition halls. The existing building would undergo renovations. The goal was to restore its original design. The project was slated to begin in July 2020. It was projected to finish by mid-2022.
The renovation required all tenants to close in April 2020. The closing of McDonald’s on May 10, 2020, drew crowds. This closing flouted social distancing laws.
After renovations, Sarinah reopened on March 22, 2022. Sadly Sarinah was near a tragic event on January 14, 2016. Multiple explosions and gunfire occurred. The Islamic State claimed responsibility. Eight people died in the attack.
Sarinah was conceived by President Sukarno. He named it after his childhood nanny. Sukarno believed Sarinah could stabilize prices. He cited similar stores in communist states. Sukarno declared that Sarinah would help organize Indonesian socialism. He also said that if Sarinah sells a kebaya for 10 rupiah, other retailers would not dare to sell it for 20. Sarinah struggled to compete and went into debt.
In the 1970s, Sarinah shifted its focus to local handicrafts. Especially batik became important. In 1979, it adopted its current name. In 2021, the government transferred most shares to PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia.
Today Sarinah stands revitalized. It embodies the concept of The Window of Indonesia. Sarinah supports local products. It provides creative spaces and cultural tours. As you explore Sarinah remember its history. It began as a price stabilizer. Now it is a showcase of Indonesian culture and resilience.