Starbucks reopens after Jakarta attack

A discount rather than fear was at the centre of regulars' minds when they returned to Starbucks for the first time since the Jakarta attack.

The Starbucks at the centre of the Jakarta attack less than three weeks ago has reopened with regulars showing little fear in returning.

Levin Librawin and Edo Ajie were among dozens of locals to return to the coffee shop on Monday, saying they held few concerns for their safety.

"We were hoping to get a discount though," Edo joked.

The pair were working in a neighbouring office block when suicide bombers and gunmen targeted the coffee chain outlet and traffic police post nearby on the morning of January 14.

Eight people - four members of the public and four attackers - were killed.

"It was quite shocking," Levin said.

While he and Edo had some hesitation about returning to the site it wasn't enough to keep them away.

Another regular, Liusiana, said her return to the Starbucks on Monday was less about showing solidarity than convenience.

"My office is nearby, it's close to anywhere.

As to whether she was afraid: "Not really. There's always risk anywhere you are."

Staff at the cafe, which has seen little change to its layout prior to the attack, were wearing red shirts with "#sharelove" emblazoned on their backs.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world