Social life is evidently making a slow but steady comeback in Jakarta, now that government-imposed restrictions have started to ease and cool new hangout places are open for those who have gotten their jabs.
Among the hyped spots is the brand new creative space Pos Bloc Jakarta, which occupies the historic Gedung Filateli Jakarta (Jakarta Philatelic Building) in Central Jakarta. The building formerly stood as a postal office during the Dutch colonial era.
The art deco building, which went through a restoration from 1912 to 1929 under the command of Dutch architect John van Hoytema, underwent revitalization in this past year, with the Pos Bloc project announced in early 2021.
You may have already guessed from the name and concept that Pos Bloc is under the same management as M Bloc, another creative space in Jakarta that occupies an old building which used to house Indonesian state-owned banknote/security printers and mint Perum Peruri in South Jakarta’s Blok M area. For the Pos Bloc project, M Bloc says they are collaborating with PT Pos Properti Indonesia.
Though the property has been renovated for commercial use, Pos Bloc still maintains most of Philatelic Building’s features, including its original marble floors and stained glass at the building’s facade. The M Bloc feel is to be expected here, as Pos Bloc is going to house exhibitions, musical performances, as well as outlets for local brands.
Pos Bloc is currently in its soft-opening period, with a number of tenants already occupying space in the building, such as Filosofi Kopi coffee shop, nastar (pineapple tart) specialist Nastar by Ritz, Mexican food place Coquito, and fashion/souvenir brand Sovlo.
Visitors would find that the standard COVID-19 rules apply at Pos Bloc, including a vaccination requirement or medical proof for those who are still unable to get the jab. Checking in and out of the establishment using the integrated health and mobility tracking app PeduliLindungi is also mandatory. Children below 12 years old are allowed to enter, as long as they’re accompanied by adults.
A side note: you’ll find that Pos Bloc doesn’t have any dedicated parking spots, but you can park your cars or bicycles around the venue or use a valet service.
If you want to get a little preview of what Pos Bloc looks like before making the actual visit, you can watch this walkthrough video below:
FIND IT
Pos Bloc Jakarta
Gedung Filateli Jakarta, Jl. Pos Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar district, Central Jakarta
Operating hours: 10am-9pm (weekdays), 7am-9pm (weekends)
Transit: Pasar Baru TransJakarta stop or Juanda train station
