Pondok Indah is a much sought-after suburb by expatriates, conglomerates, celebrities, and government officials.

[4][5] At one point, the area was visited by a famous architect and urban developer, Ciputra, which according to him, the plantation area is very strategic, since it is bordered by Jalan Ciputat Raya (which was previously part of the National Road from Jakarta to Bogor that passed through Palmerah, Ciputat, and Parung) to the west and Lebak Bulus to the south.

The plantation is located near Kebayoran Baru (the first modern satellite city in Indonesia) and is not a flood-prone area, and the soil does not contain salt like in the northern region of Jakarta.

Pitching that the plantation has better soil and air quality compared to Sunter, Salim agreed to work together and finance the development of Pondok Indah.

Regarding the permit to work on a project in this area, I can talk to Mr. Ali Sadikin immediately.Ciputra and his colleagues started the development in the 70s.

Ciputra was worried because the budget to acquire land and build road infrastructure and waterways were enormous.