10 Interesting Facts About Bintang Beer

Bintang Beer is Indonesia’s most iconic beer brand. First brewed in 1929, it is produced by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk, a subsidiary of Heineken International. Recognized by its distinctive red star logo, Bintang (which means “star” in Indonesian) is considered a symbol of relaxation and is closely associated with Bali’s tourism culture.

Interesting Facts

1. Dutch Origins: Bintang was originally brewed by the Netherlands Indies Beer Brewery in Surabaya, Indonesia, during the Dutch colonial period. After Indonesia gained independence, the brewery was nationalized but later acquired by Heineken, which continues to produce Bintang today.
2. Heineken’s Twin: Due to its connection with Heineken, Bintang is brewed using similar methods and ingredients. Many claim that Bintang and Heineken taste very similar, though Bintang has a slightly sweeter finish, appealing to the local palate.
3. Bali’s Favorite Beer: Bintang is deeply linked with Bali’s tourism culture. It is the beer of choice for millions of tourists, especially Australians, who often associate their trips to Bali with drinking Bintang on the beach. It’s often described as the quintessential “beach beer”.
4. Award-Winning: Bintang has received international recognition for its quality, winning several awards, including the Gold Medal at the Monde Selection and the Brewing Industry International Award in London. This solidifies its reputation not just locally but globally.
5. Low Alcohol Content: Bintang has a relatively low alcohol content of around 4.7%, which makes it light and easy to drink, especially in the tropical Indonesian climate. It’s crafted to be a refreshing beverage to pair with local cuisine or sip on the beach.
6. Bintang Radler: In recent years, Bintang has expanded its range with Bintang Radler, a mixture of Bintang beer and lemon juice. This variant, which is lighter in alcohol (around 2% ABV), has become a popular choice for those seeking a less potent, fruity alternative to beer.
7. Bintang Shortage Scare (2015): In 2015, Bintang faced a potential crisis when new Indonesian regulations prohibited the sale of alcohol in convenience stores. This restriction threatened the availability of Bintang in many popular tourist areas, leading to panic among visitors and concerns from local businesses that rely heavily on beer sales. Though the beer remained available in larger stores and bars, the shortage scare highlighted the dependence of Bali’s tourism economy on alcohol sales.
8. Alcohol Ban in Indonesia: Indonesia, being a predominantly Muslim country, has had ongoing discussions about banning alcohol altogether. In 2013 and again in 2020, proposals were made to prohibit alcohol, which would have directly impacted Bintang’s production and sales. While the laws were not implemented, the discussions raised concerns about the future of the beer in its home country.
9. Underage Drinking Issues: With Bintang being readily available in tourist hubs, there have been concerns about its accessibility to minors, particularly in Bali, where underage tourists may sometimes have easier access to alcohol. This has prompted discussions about stricter ID checks and measures to ensure responsible alcohol consumption.
10. The 2020 Pandemic Impact: Like many beverage companies, Bintang was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The sudden halt of tourism in Indonesia, particularly Bali, caused a sharp drop in beer sales. The company had to temporarily scale down production and faced significant financial challenges due to the lack of tourists, the primary consumer base for Bintang.