What people say about the cafe scene
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)