 Following the independence of Indonesia, people from around Indonesia began to flock to the new capital of the country in search for possibilities not available in their regional homelands.Pasar Senen area, originally a Chinese-dominated area, became populated by Bantenese, West Javanese, Padang and Batak traders during the 1950s.By the late 1950s, Pasar Senen had deteriorated into a slum and home to criminal gangs, illegal gambling, prostitutes, and pickpockets.