Indonesia, predominantly Muslim, has a low regular consumption of branded alcoholic beverages, estimated at about 3% of the population. Despite this, the local beer market remains fairly healthy, likely due to Indonesia’s large tourism industry. San Miguel of the Philippines holds a significant share of the local market, brewing Anker and Bali Hai, as well as the local version of San Miguel. The other major beer label is Bintang, owned by Heineken of the Netherlands.
Interestingly, beer is spelled “Bir” in Indonesia, and locals who do drink often prefer locally made spirits like arak, brem, and tuak. These spirits are often homemade and can be dangerous to the uninitiated.
Anker Bir Pilsner
A light-colored 5% beer that produces very little head. It is sweet but also a bit watery, made in the same factory as Bali Hai and San Miguel.
Bali Hai Pilsner Bir
This 5% Pilsner is watery and produces no head, like many Indonesian beers. While mildly sweet, it lacks a strong flavor.
Bintang Bir Pilsner
This 5% Pilsner has a malt and hop flavor. Its watery taste is often compared to Heineken, who owns the Bintang brewery. The Bintang bottle also resembles a Heineken bottle. Bintang recently launched a shandy-type product called Green Sands, which is like a beer mixed with lime and has less than 1% alcohol.
San Miguel Pilsner
San Miguel is a Philippines-owned company that also brews beer locally in Indonesia. The locally brewed San Miguel shares similarities with the Philippine-brewed version. Sold in large quantities in Indonesia, San Miguel rivals local beers for a significant share of the Indonesian beer market. It’s a 5% Pilsner with a touch of bitterness, similar to other Indonesian beers
