What people say about the cafe scene

JAKARTA (JP): The increasing number of cafes and pubs in Jakarta has drawn comment from various people.

Renowned basketball promoter Ary Sudarsono said the burgeoning of cafes indicates investors are increasingly staking their money in the food and beverage industry.

"That's great, but unfortunately they fail to adopt the true concept of a cafe.

"Originally, cafes were opened for people who wanted a different atmosphere that wouldn't cost them a lot of money," Ary said.

Ary, a cafe-goer himself, said there are too many cafes which do not offer a unique atmosphere and are simply places for people to meet. They also sell unsuitable food at excessive prices.

Security and disappointing service are other shortcomings Jakarta cafes have to overcome, said Ary.

"Around 50 percent of cafe patrons are youths who are prone to brawling. This is what other guests worry about," he said.

He said there is not a cafe culture in Indonesia. Instead, most Indonesians prefer spending their weekends with family.

"That's why, as far as I can see, only a certain group of people go to cafes regularly," Ary said.

Ary will open a cafe for basketball enthusiasts on Jl. Cikini next month.

Marzuki Darusman, deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, said cafes here do not cater to people who want to share ideas on literature, philosophy, politics or other subjects.

"Cafes here are too noisy and look like restaurants. Not to mention the hordes of visitors who pass by or smoke all the time.

"A cafe in Indonesia is a place to hang around in, kill time and look around. It offers nothing more than a throng of tables, because it does not receive cultural support from society," said Marzuki.

Marzuki said the true concept of a cafe is to accommodate people who want to read newspapers, magazines or books while snacking and sipping a cup of coffee.

"A cafe is not necessarily luxurious. As long as it invites people to come in and enjoy a different atmosphere, it's enough," he said.

Marzuki admits to being unenthusiastic about accepting invitations to local cafes.

"It seems only cafes in Europe suit my taste," he said.

Wimar Witoelar, head of the Indonesian Tennis Association, said there is nothing wrong with people spending their leisure time in cafes and pubs. "It's enjoying and relaxes your mind," said Wimar.

What is wrong is when people go to cafes to flaunt themselves and show off their belongings, Wimar said.

"Cafes have become a center of information for many businesspeople. They try to obtain the newest information from the business world to support theirs," he said.

Cafes function as places to communicate, he said. Over a short period, it is good for businesspeople to build a wide network, but in the long term it will affect their productivity.

In the West, businesspeople do not go to cafes to improve their ventures. They get information from various sources rather than sit and chat in a cafe or a pub, Wimar said.

For Inge Tenawijaya, 33, a marketing manager for an Australian representative office in Jakarta, going to pubs and cafes has almost become a necessity.

"I usually go to the cafe or pub at Grand Hyatt hotel or to other places on Jl. Thamrin about four times a week. I'd feel like something was missing if I didn't go to such places every week."

She said going to pubs relieves her from work-related stress. "It's fun spending my leisure time in pubs or cafes with my friends and colleagues." (team)