A foreigner is currently under the spotlight after allegedly leaving a coffee shop without paying for the food and drinks he ordered on Jalan Taman Kebon Sirih II, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.
The incident went viral on social media after video footage, which shows the foreigner throwing a tantrum when confronted by a coffee shop employee, circulated widely on Sunday, the 31st of May.
The incident began when the foreigner, an unidentified Caucasian male, ordered food and drinks at a coffee shop. After enjoying his meal, he went to the cashier to make a payment. However, during the payment process, the credit card transaction failed because the card was allegedly corrupted and could not be used.
The situation then escalated when the coffee shop employee asked the customer to complete the payment. Instead of paying via other methods, the foreigner became emotional and engaged in an argument with the employee. The foreigner gave an unusual excuse, as he claimed that he had contributed to Indonesia’s development and therefore felt that he did not need to pay the bill.
“Because I’m building your country! Look at those buildings, look at those shops, look at the five-star luxury that is coming right here! Leave me alone,” said the foreigner, in what might sound like a British accent, in the video footage. He later chose to leave the premises without settling his food bill. The café also failed to obtain payment for the food.
After the video went viral, many netizens criticised the foreigner’s actions and insisted that he should pay the bill. Some also commented on the foreigner’s statement.
“What does he mean by ‘building’ it? What’s that got to do with not paying after eating?” wrote a netizen commenting on the video after being posted on TikTok.
“Directorate General of Immigration, this is concerning,” chimed in another netizen.
“Why is that the way he looks at things? It’s so sad. Poor those [coffee shop staff],” wrote another netizen as well.
@bbbbbbbbblesemangat terus pokoknya 😖♬ original sound – chaca