McDonald
According to a report by Al Jazeera on November 14, 2023, Indonesians are boycotting McDonald’s and Starbucks over their support for Israel.
The boycott follows McDonald’s Israel’s announcement that it donated free meals to the Israeli military.
The boycott has been gaining traction on social media, with many Indonesians calling for others to join them in boycotting the two companies. Some have even posted videos of themselves destroying McDonald’s and Starbucks food and drinks.
The boycott has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised Indonesians for standing up for what they believe in, while others have criticized the boycott as being ineffective and counterproductive.
It is still too early to say what impact the boycott will have on McDonald’s and Starbucks in Indonesia. However, it is clear that the boycott has resonated with many Indonesians, who are concerned about the companies’ support for Israel.
Context
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, and there is a strong sense of solidarity with the Palestinian people among Indonesians.
In recent years, there have been several protests and boycotts in Indonesia against companies that support Israel.
The current boycott of McDonald’s and Starbucks is likely to be the most significant boycott of a Western company in Indonesia in recent years. It is also likely to have a significant impact on the two companies’ reputations in Indonesia.
Implications
The boycott of McDonald’s and Starbucks in Indonesia is a reminder of the growing importance of public opinion in shaping corporate behavior.
Companies that operate in Muslim-majority countries need to be mindful of the sensitivities of their customers and avoid taking actions that could be seen as supporting Israel.
The boycott also has implications for the relationship between Indonesia and the West. It is a sign of the growing frustration among many Indonesians with the West’s perceived support for Israel.
Western governments and businesses should take this frustration seriously and work to build better relationships with Indonesia and other Muslim-majority countries.