Jakarta‘s “Starlings“: The Rise of Mobile Coffee Sellers
Across the vibrant streets of Jakarta, a unique scene unfolds. Bicycles zoom by, their handlebars adorned with dozens of plastic sachets of coffee and other ready-to-drink beverages. In the back, large thermos bottles filled with hot water, ice boxes, and all the equipment necessary for brewing a perfect cup dangle precariously. These aren’t your average delivery services – they’re the “Starlings,” Jakarta’s answer to mobile coffee vendors.
The term “Starlings” is affectionately borrowed from the global coffee giant, “Starbucks Keliling” – or “mobile Starbucks” in Bahasa Indonesia. Although completely unaffiliated with the international chain, the moniker reflects the ubiquitous presence of these bicycle-borne coffee sellers across the city. From dawn until night, Starlings are a familiar sight, offering steaming cups of joe from sidewalks, parks, construction sites – essentially anywhere coffee is in demand.
A Coffee Culture Divided
As the world’s third-largest coffee producer, coffee is deeply woven into Indonesian culture. Yet, access to a good cup varies dramatically across economic strata. Wealthy residents favor artisanal brews from upscale coffee shops, while less affluent citizens depend on the affordability and convenience of instant coffee from the Starlings. This dichotomy reveals a coffee landscape divided, with a range of options available to suit every palate and budget.
In fact, a staggering 79% of Indonesians are coffee drinkers, enjoying at least one cup a day, according to Snapcart, an Indonesian research agency. This unwavering love for coffee fuels the steady business of the Starlings, who offer a cost-effective solution for caffeine cravings throughout the cityscape.
A Family Business Built on Two Wheels
Tucked away in a settlement aptly nicknamed “Starling Village” due to the high concentration of Starling riders, Syaiful, a coffee supplier, exemplifies the generosity and hustle of this community. From his small workspace, Syaiful manages to sell over 1,000 coffee sachets and other packaged drinks daily to hundreds of thirsty Starling riders. He continues the legacy of his father, not only supplying coffee but also equipping riders with bicycles and all the necessary brewing apparatus.
“Becoming a Starling coffee seller doesn’t require much investment,” Syaiful explains. “Just buy some instant coffee, rent a bicycle, and you’re good to go.” This accessibility has led to the rapid proliferation of Starlings across Jakarta, transforming the ways people consume coffee.
Adaptability in the Face of Competition
Sander, a 50-year-old vendor originally from East Java, has witnessed these changes firsthand. For a decade, he has diligently brewed and served beverages on the streets of the capital. He’s seen traditional kiosks gradually replaced by the nimble Starlings, acknowledging the fierce competition. Yet, Sander thrives. He still manages to sell around 65 cups a day, charging 4,000 rupiah (approximately $0.25) per cup.
“Being adaptable is key,” Sander affirms. To stay competitive, he constantly updates his menu, incorporates new coffee flavors, and utilizes social media to attract customers.
More Than Just a Drink
The Starlings of Jakarta are more than just coffee peddlers – they are part of the city’s fabric. They are the embodiment of resilience, resourcefulness, and an unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship. They provide a vital coffee fix to millions of Jakarta residents while symbolizing a unique cultural phenomenon: how a simple bicycle can become a platform for economic opportunity and community connection.
How do Jakarta’s “Starlings” contribute to the city’s diverse coffee culture?
## Interview: Jakarta’s “Starlings” On the Rise
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re talking about a unique phenomenon brewing up in Jakarta – the rise of ”Starlings,” the city’s bicycle-based coffee vendors. Joining us to discuss this is [Alex Reed Name], a researcher specializing in Indonesian urban culture. Welcome!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It’s a fascinating trend, no doubt.
**Interviewer:** For our listeners unfamiliar with this, can you paint a picture of what a “Starling” is?
**Alex Reed:** Imagine someone zipping through Jakarta’s bustling streets on a bicycle, handlebars piled high with coffee sachets, thermoses strapped to the back. That’s a Starling! They’re essentially mobile coffee vendors, bringing instant coffee and other drinks directly to the people. [[1](https://www.barchart.com/story/news/29902888/ap-photos-starlings-indonesias-bicycle-coffee-sellers-peddle-the-streets-of-jakarta)]
**Interviewer:** I understand the name comes from “Starbucks Keliling,” meaning ”mobile Starbucks.”
Is there any official connection?
**Alex Reed:** Not at all! It’s simply a playful nickname, acknowledging their ubiquity and the important role they play in Jakarta’s coffee culture.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of coffee culture, you mention a “divided” landscape. Can you elaborate?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Indonesia is a coffee powerhouse, but access varies. Wealthier Jakartans might seek out artisanal brews in stylish cafes, while others rely on the affordability and convenience of a Starling’s cup. This creates a diverse coffee scene, catering to different budgets and tastes.
**Interviewer:** And where does the Starling fit into this?
**Alex Reed:** They offer a critical service, providing accessible, affordable coffee city-wide. With a staggering 79% of Indonesians drinking coffee daily, the demand is immense. [[1](https://www.barchart.com/story/news/29902888/ap-photos-starlings-indonesias-bicycle-coffee-sellers-peddle-the-streets-of-jakarta)]The Starlings fill a crucial gap, making coffee a daily reality for countless Jakartans.
**Interviewer:** What’s the biggest takeaway for those unfamiliar with this phenomenon?
**Alex Reed:** The Starlings are a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Jakarta. They exemplify how local communities creatively meet needs, weaving themselves into the fabric of city life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, [Alex Reed Name]. It’s been enlightening to delve into the world of Jakarta’s “Starlings.”
