Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir stated that the Sarinah Shopping Center is ready to become a community platform to collaborate and create.

"Sarinah has reopened! Sarinah is ready to become a community place for collaboration and work, especially for art lovers, local entrepreneurs, and MSMEs," Thohir said as quoted from his official Instagram account @erickthohir here on Wednesday.

Thohir commended the Sarinah visitors' enthusiasm and support of the building's new appearance.

"Since yesterday, many people have visited to see Sarinah's new look. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm," Thohir stated.

Sarinah Shopping Center on MH Thamrin Street in Central Jakarta has operated again on Monday (March 21, 2022), and 95 percent of its outlets have been occupied by mainly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

President Director of PT Sarinah Fetty Kwartati explained that most outlets were occupied by MSME entrepreneurs from all over Indonesia. Some 500 MSMEs are showcasing their merchandise in this new building.

According to Kwartati, of all the occupied outlets, at least 75 percent of them opened on Monday.

Kwartati also explained that discussions were still underway for several outlets, but that did not hinder Sarinah's opening ceremony.

She also ensured that all outlets located inside Sarinah, as Indonesia's oldest shopping center, were repaired and will be fully occupied by June 2022.

Related news: Sarinah Building reopens as major refurbishment completed

According to data from Sarinah and the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry, the renovation cost came up to around US$48 thousand, or Rp700 million.

The construction began in July 2020 and was completed in March 2022. Now, Sarinah Building has a building area of 27 thousand sq. m, with 15 floors in total.

The building also offers a spectacular city view from its new skydeck and amphitheater.

Related news: Thohir plans to reopen renovated Sarinah Building in March 2022