5 Indonesian Films Shot in Blok M, From Thriller to Comedy!

Kapanlagi.com - Blok M has become one of the most visited areas in Jakarta by the younger generation, especially for residents of Jabodetabek. From trying various viral food or drink items that have long lines, thrift shopping, to simply hanging out, everything can be done there. The ease of public transport access to the area also supports the high number of visitors every day.

For a long time, Blok M has often been relied upon by several producers as a filming location, whether for music videos or films. It is not uncommon for mini gigs of local musicians to be held here as it has become one of the main entertainment destinations for young people.

What are the Indonesian films that are known to have been shot in Blok M? Here is a list of some titles.

1. SIEGE AT BUKIT DURI

Titles of Indonesian films that were shot in Blok M. (credit: imdb.com)

Even though it no longer has many screening times in cinemas across Indonesia, the film SIEGE AT BUKIT DURI is still a hot topic of conversation among the public. Who would have thought that this film, directed by Joko Anwar, was filmed at the Blok M Terminal as one of its shooting locations. The area was successfully transformed to create a very tense atmosphere that supports the storyline.

In one scene, Edwin seeks entertainment amidst the anxiety of everyday life by heading to a place considered the safest for people of Chinese descent, namely Underground Pecinan. Various corners of the area, such as stairwells, bear the marks of vandalism and other forms of disturbance that indicate a dislike towards his ethnicity. Although the condition is quite concerning, this remote area offers a glimmer of hope for survival for many people.

2. 13 BOM DI JAKARTA

Titles of Indonesian films that were shot in Blok M. (credit: imdb.com)

Do you remember the racing scene in the film released by Visinema Pictures last year, which became one of the highlights of the film 13 BOM DI JAKARTA? Apparently, the filming location for that scene was found to be on the streets around Blok M.

Upon investigation, Angga Dwimas Sasongko, the director of the action film, admitted that he and the crew were only given 15 minutes to record the footage there. This happened because he did not want to be selfish and completely close off the road. It might have been possible for him to shoot briefly and then continue in an empty complex area, but he was reluctant to choose that option.

3. FREE

Titles of Indonesian films that were filmed in Blok M. (credit: imdb.com)

Blok M has also become an area chosen by Miles Films as the shooting location for FREE. This drama-comedy released in 2019 is an adaptation of the South Korean film titled SUNNY, which tells the story of friendship among six high school students who have come of age. Marsha Timothy, Susan Bachtiar, Indy Barends, Baim Wong, Widi Mulia, and Salvita Decorte are the names of the actors starring in the film.

The choice of Blok M as a setting is backed by reasons of authenticity and its retro atmosphere, in line with the time setting of the 1990s in the film. Not only Blok M, other locations such as Pasar Baru, Menteng, and Kebayoran were also used to support the shooting process of this film directed by Riri Riza.

4. ALI TOPAN

Titles of Indonesian films that were shot in Blok M. (credit: imdb.com)

In addition to the film 13 BOM DI JAKARTA, Visinema Pictures also used the Blok M area for the shooting of ALI TOPAN. This film is directed by Sidharta Tata and the story is based on a novel titled Ali Topan Anak Jalanan by Teguh Esha. Now, this 2024 release can be watched directly on Netflix.

According to a statement from Visinema Pictures to IDN Times (26/05/2025), Blok M was used as the location where the character Ali Topan hangs out. The main reason for choosing this location is that the art stall in the story is indeed mentioned to be located there.

5. BLOK M (FUTURE HANGOUT LOCATION)

Titles of Indonesian films that were filmed in Blok M. (credit: imdb.com)

In line with its title, the film BLOK M (FUTURE HANGOUT LOCATION) is one of many Indonesian films that showcases Blok M as its setting. Through this old film, Generation Z viewers can realize that Blok M has long been a gathering place for teenagers and a playground for young people.

In the 1990 film, it is explained that the name "Blok M" is said to be an abbreviation of "Bakal Lokasi Mejeng". The story centers around Lola (Desy Ratnasari) along with her three friends wandering around Blok M, which at that time was like a miniature Jakarta. On the other hand, Cindy (Paramitha Rusady), a student from the same school, secretly takes on the profession of an amateur prostitute to support her family's economy.

(kpl/rtr)