Inclusion on the Menu: Starbucks and other establishments in Indonesia supporting the deaf and mute community
Starbucks has recently opened its first signing store in Jakarta, Indonesia, which employs deaf and mute baristas to serve customers. The store is located in the bustling Tanah Abang Area, near Dukuh Atas MRT Station, and is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all customers, including those with hearing and speech impairments.
The deaf and mute community in Indonesia faces significant challenges, particularly when it comes to finding employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with hearing and speech impairments due to a lack of understanding and accessibility accommodations. This is reflected in the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) report from 2022, which found that people with disabilities (PWD) in Indonesia have much lower participation in the labor market compared to those without disabilities. Participation rate for people with mild disabilities is 56,72% and for severe disabilities is only 20,27%, much lower compared to people without disabilities which have a 70,40% participation rate. However, the new Starbucks store and other similar establishments in Indonesia are providing valuable opportunities for deaf and mute individuals to work and earn an income. These businesses are helping to break down barriers and promote inclusion in the workforce.
The new Starbucks signing store in Jakarta is located on Jalan Tanjung Karang no.3, Central Jakarta, and features a unique design that incorporates sign language into its branding and decor. The store offers a full range of Starbucks products, including coffee, tea, and food items, and employs deaf and mute baristas who use sign language to communicate with customers and prepare their orders. The store also has visual aids and technology, such as large screens displaying menus and order information, to assist with communication.
Starbucks is not the only brand in Indonesia breaking barriers by hiring deaf and mute individuals. In addition to the new Starbucks signing store, there are several other cafes and restaurants in Jakarta that employ deaf and mute individuals. One notable example is the “Sunyi house of coffee and hope (Sunyi Coffee)” in Bekasi, which is run entirely by deaf and mute staff and offers a range of food and drinks. Other cafes, such as the “Difabis Coffee Shop” in Sudirman and the “Cupable Coffee” in Yogyakarta, also employ deaf and mute individuals and offer unique experiences for customers. In addition, Burger King has several signing stores in Indonesia, such as in Makassar and Seminyak Bali. These businesses are providing valuable employment opportunities for deaf and mute individuals and promoting inclusivity in the workforce.
The opening of the new Starbucks signing store in Jakarta is a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in the hospitality industry. The store and other similar establishments are providing valuable employment opportunities for deaf and mute individuals and are making a positive impact on the deaf and mute labor rate in the city. These businesses are not only providing income for deaf and mute individuals, but also raising awareness and understanding of the deaf and mute community. It is hopeful that more businesses will follow in the footsteps of Starbucks and offer inclusive hiring practices in the future.
Anyway, the 3rd of December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (international disability day). Let’s celebrate!
