8-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The ongoing boycott movement against businesses with perceived ties to Israel has exposed deep divisions in Malaysia and Indonesia over how best to show solidarity with Palestinians. As anti-Israel sentiment surges online, entrepreneurs are confronting difficult choices amid slowing trade.
With the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza now exceeding 200, including dozens of children, many across Southeast Asia have channeled outrage onto social media. Calls to shun multinational brands like McDonald’s and Starbucks over past statements or due to their operations in Israel have gained significant traction.
However, on the ground the impact of boycotts appears mixed. In Kuala Lumpur, fast food outlets and cafes report noticeable downturns with some blaming the movement. Yet daily life continues much as normal in Jakarta, where sceptics doubt boycotts can shift Israeli policy or deter violence.
The issue has shone a light on challenges facing businesses in morally complex global disputes. Gerbang Alaf Restaurants, the local firm owning McDonald’s franchise rights, clarified it has no control over foreign branches. Still, declining footfall jeopardises jobs for over 15,000 employees, most from Malaysia’s Muslim-majority Bumiputera community.
Striking a balance between values and livelihoods has also stirred debate. While condemning Israeli conduct, Abdullah Jamadi, a popular TikTok influencer, cautioned widespread boycotts risk hurting local economies and Malays most reliant on such jobs.
However, others assert pressure must be applied wherever possible. Anthropic’s Dr Nazari Ismail says businesses complict in “oppression” should adjust policies or face backlash, likening the tactic to divestment campaigns against apartheid South Africa.
Authorities have so far taken a hands-off approach, reluctant to curb lawful protests or compromise complex trade ties. Yet sustained boycotts risk outweighing diplomatic gains, some analysts warn, stirring resentment that undermines social cohesion. As all sides glance to Gaza in horror, corporations here navigate their own conflict with no end yet in sight.
Similar tensions have arisen in Indonesia, wherescattered boycotts encounter scepticism. Marketing executive Adi Tasya Nurzahra believes squeezing company budgets may compelIsraeli concessions. But with elections looming, many prioritise bread-and-butter issues, saysacademic Made Supriatma. He doubts impact given boycotters’ scant purchasing power.
Regardless of views, all agree immediate de-escalation is needed to stem horrific bloodshed. As political will fora ceasefire builds globally, complex debates around local respons also shine light on humans shared pursuit of justiceand prosperity for all.
