Trying out ‘Squid Game’ in Jakarta, from the traffic lights to the glass stepping stones

The red light comes on. Participants must stop immediately. Even the slightest delay could jeopardise their chances of survival. An atmosphere that until now could only be witnessed on television can now be experienced first-hand in Jakarta through ‘Squid Game: The Experience’.

It’s not just a visit to a location inspired by the popular Netflix series; visitors are invited into the game arena to test their agility, concentration and strategic thinking. A series of iconic challenges await, ranging from ‘Red Light, Green Light’ to ‘Memory Steps’, which tests memory.

CNNIndonesia.com had the opportunity to try out the experience during a Media Day session at Agora Mall, Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15 October). Before it opens to the general public on 16 October 2026, a number of media representatives, public figures and invited guests were given early access to the game arena.

The journey begins in the Bunk Room, the gateway to the world of *Squid Game*. From the very start, the atmosphere is modelled on the TV series. The presence of guards in pink uniforms—the ‘Pink Guards’—further reinforces the competitive atmosphere felt at every stage.

Visitors must also undergo facial recognition before entering the six game rooms, each featuring a different challenge.

One of the games most recognisable to fans is ‘Red Light, Green Light’. In this game, participants must move when the signal allows and stop in time when the red light comes on.

The rules sound simple, but the pressure of the atmosphere makes every movement feel more nerve-wracking. Participants must stay focused whilst paying attention to the instructions so as not to miss their chance to continue the game.

The challenges then continue with Tug of War, Marbles, Memory Steps, and Round & Round. Each game has a different mechanism, so participants cannot rely solely on speed. Precision, memory, coordination and strategy all play a part in determining the points scored.

All the challenges are designed in a competitive format. Participants who successfully complete the games will collect points, which will ultimately determine their position in the competition.

Once all the games are complete, the six participants with the highest scores qualify for the final round at ‘The Last Supper’. In this final room, the competition reaches its climax to determine the overall winner.

The participant who emerges as the winner will gain access to the VIP Room as part of the final experience. Other visitors can also enjoy the VIP area by purchasing the additional VIP Experience package.

Whilst adopting the tension that characterises the series, this experience is presented as interactive entertainment that can be enjoyed first-hand. Visitors are invited to experience the sensation of being inside the world of *Squid Game* without merely being spectators.

Corey Redmond, Senior Executive Vice President of Kingsmen Xperience, said that every part of the attraction is designed to bring elements familiar to fans of the series into a real-life experience.

“Every part of Squid Game: The Experience is designed to bring the elements familiar to fans from the series into an interactive format, from the environment and the games to the visual and audio details,” said Corey when met at the venue.

The excitement at ‘Squid Game: The Experience’ doesn’t stop once participants have completed all the challenges. Outside the game arena, visitors can explore the Night Market/Young-Hee Playground, an entertainment area offering ‘Squid Game’-themed food and drinks.

The culinary offerings in this area were developed in collaboration with Akira Back Jakarta. Visitors can also pop into the Squid Game Café to sample a variety of desserts created in collaboration with Oma Elly. For fans wishing to take home a souvenir, there is a retail shop offering a wide selection of exclusive merchandise available only at the venue.

This means visitors do not have to leave immediately once the games have finished. The food and retail areas can form another part of the visit, whether for relaxing or hunting for collectables themed around the series.

Garry Limanata, Chief Marketing Officer of PT Vista Adhya Paragon (SideQuest Worlds), said that this attraction is expected to offer a different form of entertainment for the people of Jakarta, visitors from outside the city, and tourists from the wider region.

“The launch of Squid Game: The Experience in Jakarta marks an important moment for us in bringing a new form of entertainment that allows visitors not only to get to know a story from the screen, but also to become part of that experience first-hand,” said Garry.

Jakarta is the first city in South-East Asia to host ‘Squid Game: The Experience’. Previously, similar attractions have been launched in a number of major cities worldwide, including New York, Madrid, Seoul, London, Sydney and Tokyo.

In Jakarta, the attraction has been developed as a permanent destination at Agora Mall, Thamrin Nine, covering an area of over 1,900 square metres. It was developed by Kingsmen Xperience, whilst local operations are managed by SideQuest Worlds, part of PT Vista Adhya Paragon.

The attraction opened to the public on 16 October 2026 and operates daily from 10.00 to 22.00 WIB. Up to 26 game sessions are available per day, each lasting approximately 75 minutes.

Standard ticket prices range from Rp299,000 to Rp349,000, depending on the day and time of visit. Visitors wishing to enjoy additional facilities can opt for the VIP Experience, priced at Rp149,000.

This package includes access to the VIP Lounge, one free drink inspired by the Squid Game series, an exclusive collectable, and a 10 per cent discount on selected merchandise, food and drinks.

This experience is intended for visitors aged 13 and over. Children under the age of 13 may still take part in the games when accompanied by an adult. Tickets for Squid Game: The Experience Jakarta can be…