In 1935, Kemayoran Airport was opened. This changed the economy of Kemayoran from agriculture to service, but also caused less urban development in Kemayoran (tall buildings are not allowed in Kemayoran). Although Kemayoran is located close to downtown Jakarta (around what is now known as Merdeka Square, Gambir district), there are no significant economic center in Kemayoran. In addition, the development of plan of Jakarta was more weighted toward the south of downtown Jakarta. Until the mid 1980s, the area of Kemayoran was still a sparsely distributed settlements with vacant lands. The way Kemayoran area was kept away from developments caused several indigenous culture to stay undisturbed in Kemayoran. Even now, the Betawi culture, the local culture of Jakarta, is often identified with the Kemayoran area.