Indonesians boycott McDonald's and Starbucks over support for Israel

Jakarta: Indonesians have initiated a widespread boycott of McDonald's, Starbucks, and other businesses perceived as supportive of Israel.

The movement gained momentum after McDonald's Israel announced its provision of free meals to the Israeli military amid the conflict in Gaza.

The boycott call has resonated across Indonesia, prompting individuals and organisations to abstain from going to McDonald's, Starbucks, and other businesses associated with Israel.

Indonesians have joined this movement, expressing their disillusionment with these brands following revelations about McDonald's Israel's support for the Israeli military, reported Al Jazeera.

McDonald's announcement of aiding the Israeli military led to strong reactions from various Indonesian groups, such as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS), the United People Front (FUB), and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), urging the boycott of these brands.

Despite McDonald's Indonesia announcing its support for Palestinians, highlighting humanitarian aid provided to Palestinians, the boycott continues. McDonald’s Indonesia is owned by PT Rekso Nasional Food and last week announced that it had deployed aid of $96,000 to Palestinians.

McDonald's, although predominantly a US brand, operates locally-owned franchises globally, with several franchisees in Muslim countries expressing solidarity with Palestinians and contributing to relief efforts in Gaza.

Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation with no Israeli embassy, has historically aligned with the Palestinian cause. President Joko Widodo has urged US President Joe Biden to intervene in Gaza, showcasing Indonesia's support for Palestinian rights.

The boycott culminated in a massive gathering in Jakarta, with tens of thousands rallying in solidarity with Palestinians and calling for a Gaza ceasefire. During this demonstration, several McDonald's and Starbucks branches near the venue remained closed due to security concerns.

Further strengthening the boycott, Indonesia's top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), issued a fatwa condemning support for Israeli aggression against Palestine.

Despite the impact of the boycott on businesses like McDonald's and Starbucks, neither company has explicitly attributed the decline in customers to the boycott. McDonald's Corporation expressed dismay over misconceptions regarding its stance on the Middle East conflict, emphasising its non-involvement in funding governments amid the crisis.