Going For A Coffee Under New Normal Rules in Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Coffee aficionados keen to hit coffeehouses for a leisurely cup of joe can take heart, as cafes in Jakarta start to open their doors in the New Normal phase of the government’s struggle against Covid-19.

While café goers savor an espresso or latte, they are still subject to New Normal health protocols. Their procedures vary, with the one constant being the use of masks.

Acrylic barriers

Local coffee franchise Kopi Kenangan has pulled out all stops to safeguard their staff and customers alike. “We are erecting acrylic glass barriers to safeguard our customers and staff alike within one or two weeks,” said Kopi Kenangan CEO Edward Tirtanata.

“The barrier will limit direct interactions between our staff and customers. All baristas are required to use face shields, masks, and gloves. They will also use UV sterilizers typically used to clean baby items three times a day to make them bacteria free.”

Also read: Malls in Jakarta to Reopen on 15 June

The barriers did not just go up between customers and baristas. “We also put up the acrylic glass between customers.”

If you sit at a table, an acrylic barrier stands between you and the person you share the table with,” said Edward of his franchise, which won coffee lovers over with their iced coffees.

“We will also open at 50-percent capacity to maintain social distancing protocols. That includes putting X’s on tables and chairs to indicate them as off limits.”

Going cashless

For rival franchise Kopi Kangen, New Normal does not mean new changes despite abiding by social distancing, 50 percent capacity and other rules.

“We did not have to rearrange seating or tables as we never had that many of them to begin with,” said Kopi Kangen owner William Heuw.

“Our concept has always been grab and go, so most of the seats are for customers taking away their drinks.”

The biggest change for Kopi Kangen is in payment methods. “We encourage our customers to use digital wallets and other cashless methods.”

Keeping distances