Jakarta's F&B brands unite under #LokalBantuWarga to aid post-protest recovery

Indonesia’s food and beverage brands, communities, and media groups have joined forces in a grassroots social movement, #LokalBantuWarga, to help Jakarta recover in the aftermath of recent demonstrations.

The initiative, staged at Halte Transjakarta and JPO Senen, highlighted solidarity and collaboration among citizens, aiming to provide direct aid to those keeping the city safe and clean.

“This movement is a manifestation of citizens helping citizens. We are targeting three main groups: sanitation workers, ride-hailing drivers, and affected MSMEs,” said chief brand officer of Haus Indonesia, Rezki Yanuar, as quoted by Antara.

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The campaign distributed over 3,000 F&B portions to key frontline groups, including city cleaning officers, the Pasukan Pelangi team, and ride-hailing drivers. Beyond immediate aid, organisers also ensured that small local businesses benefited by sourcing products directly from MSMEs, creating a multiplier effect for the community economy.

Participating brands included Haus Indonesia, Mecca Fried Chicken, Janji Jiwa, Cimol Bojot AA, RM Padang Payakumbuah, Ayam Keprabon, Roscik, Baker Old, Three Folks, Warung Tuang, and Es Teh. They were joined by Jilbrave and community groups such as Terang Jakarta, Modestalk, and Muslimat Hidayatullah, with media support from Shift Media, Infia, Taubatters, Kawan Hawa, Muslim Vox, and Big Alpha.

Haus Indonesia had earlier laid the groundwork with a pilot effort on 2 September, distributing 300 meal packages that later evolved into a broader collective campaign.

Baker Old, a local bakery, also embodied the spirit of contribution. “We brought around 1,000 breads to distribute. It may seem simple, but the hope is to lift the spirits of those on the ground as they clean public facilities and keep Jakarta orderly,” said Urian Angelo, the brand’s content creator, during the event.

More than a gesture of charity, #LokalBantuWarga showed how a glass of tea or a piece of bread can become powerful symbols of brand empathy and civic solidarity. This echoes the spirit of #WargaJagaWarga, a grassroots ethos of mutual care that has surfaced during the protests.

Jakarta was recently shaken by a wave of protests that left visible scars across the city. Public facilities, including bus stops, bore the brunt of the deadly unrest as protesters called for fairer policies and greater transparency from legislators and politicians. At least 10 people died and hundreds more were injured.

Amidst the turmoil, the spotlight turned to the unsung workers - cleaning crews, public facility officers, and ride-hailing drivers - who shouldered the task of restoring order and helping the capital find its rhythm again.

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