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.