Economy being affected by anti-U.S. protests

Economy being affected by anti-U.S. protests

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The daily turnover of many outlets in the capital's upmarket
shopping malls has decreased by up to 40 percent as a result of
the ongoing anti-U.S. demonstrations here.

Several retailers in Plaza Senayan, Plaza Indonesia and
Sarinah, all located in Central Jakarta, complained on Friday
that their earnings had dropped since Monday, when demonstrators
started taking to the street in protest against the U.S.-led
attacks on Afghanistan.

A clothes store attendant in the Sarinah department store on
Jl. M.H. Thamrin said daily turnover in her store had dropped by
about 40 percent over the past five days.

"We are just trying to survive during these hard times, but
these sort of problems crop up too frequently," said Rita, an
attendant, who expressed regret at the demonstrations.

American icon McDonald's, which is just next to Sarinah, has
also suffered. At the time of The Jakarta Post's visit there on
Friday, there were less than 20 guests dining in the restaurant,
which is usually crowded. Interestingly, middle-eastern music was
playing, while several female waitresses were seen wearing Muslim
headdresses and the waiters peci (Muslim caps).

Dozens of civilian guards were also seen standing by outside
the restaurant dressed in baju koko, a type of Muslim shirt.

Across the street, some 80 people staged a demonstration in
front of the United Nations building, carrying banners reading
"Ban U.S. products, food".

McDonald's management could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, American R. Andrews, who was enjoying a meal in the
restaurant with his family, said that basically he felt "a bit
depressed", although he claimed he was not afraid as his wife was
Indonesian.

"I regret this 'sweeping' issue. The demonstrators should be
able to distinguish between the U.S. government and its
citizens," he said, adding that he was firmly anti-war.

Unlike McDonald's, the food court in Plaza Senayan was still
bustling. But Ray, the owner of a food outlet, said that the
number of his customers had declined by between 20 percent and 40
percent over the past five days.

"It used to be hard to get a seat at lunch time," said Ray,
pointing to some as yet unoccupied seats in front of his outlet.

He regretted the "never ending" demonstrations that were
affecting business, although he respected the demonstrators
freedom of expression.

"Demos are fine if they don't disturb other people," Ray told
the Post.

A jeweler in Plaza Indonesia shared Ray's opinion, saying the
continuing demonstrations had also affected his business.

"My daily turnover has decreased by some 30 percent lately. I
don't know what will happen if the demonstrations continue," said
Budiman.