Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Malang Town Square (Matos) management has taken a laid-back approach to a TikTok content creator’s playful jab labeling the mall as the “world’s smallest mall.” Located on Jalan Veteran, the shopping center is actually seeing a boom in visitors as Ramadan approaches Lebaran.
Matos Mall Director Fifi Trisjanti stated that the team isn’t bothered by the content. Amid the buzz on social media, visitor numbers to Matos have increased significantly.
“I say just let it be. People have the right to criticize, but God is good, and many are defending us,” Fifi exclaimed on Friday, March 13, 2026.
She views the video not as business competition but as a content creator’s mischief. As a result, management has chosen no action, including not demanding an apology.
“There’s no request for an apology, and I’m not forcing one. What matters is the thousands of employees here earning a living,” she explained.
She acknowledged that visitor levels are now rising. Compared to the previous month, foot traffic has jumped about 25 to 30 percent.
Even on weekdays, crowds are nearly matching weekend levels. She attributes this to the special blessings of this year’s Ramadan and Lebaran season.
“Compared apple-to-apple with last Ramadan, there’s about a 15% increase. We hope visits keep growing and the economy keeps turning until Lebaran,” she clarified.
Fifi added that visitor surges typically start in the second half of Ramadan. The first two weeks of fasting are usually quieter at shopping centers.
“Normally the first two weeks of Ramadan are slow, then it gets busy and packed right through. Food and fashion tenants are the busiest during times like this,” she elaborated.
Previously, a TikTok creator with the account @caeinmotion went viral for mocking the mall. In her video, the student from a Surabaya university claimed she was at the “world’s smallest mall,” Matos. “Sorry, no offense, I usually go to Pakuwon,” she said.
She interacted with netizens, asking for food recommendations, and called Malang a “peaceful village.”
“What’s good to eat in this peaceful Malang village? Is there any tasty food here?” she continued.
The post drew criticism from netizens across regions, with many regretting her attitude. Following the virality, the creator posted an apology on her personal account, which garnered 14,000 comments.
