Police keep a wary eye on anti-U.S. protesters outside a central Jakarta McDonald's

By Atika Shubert
CNN Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- As the U.S.-led airstrikes continue over Afghanistan, American franchises are coming under threat in Indonesia -- the world's largest Muslim country.

Police say they suspect a radical Islamic youth group was behind the recent bombing of a Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Another American fast food giant, McDonald's, is also facing threats against its outlets forcing its management to find new ways of adapting to the public mood. One particular outlet in the center of Jakarta is situated close to the American Embassy - focal point of a series of protests by Muslim groups opposed to the strikes on Afghanistan.

As the crowd passes, many shake their fists at the Golden Arches -- synonymous with American capitalism.

But McDonald's has its own defense.

If employees see a march headed their way, they unfurl a green banner that says: "This store is owned by a Muslim, Bambang Rachmadi."

Friday prayers

Religious groups say fast food chains are having a corrupting influence

Rachmadi is the owner of the Indonesian franchise for McDonald's and managers are instructed to present a picture of him and his wife in full Muslim dress.

"Somebody has to stand up and explain to these demonstrators that we are not an American company," Rachmadi says.

He admits that McDonald's has for years been seen as synonymous with America.

"We are the most visible and the most known by our marketing," he says. "We have to work harder to make McDonald's as Indonesian. Period. Not as American."

That's why every Friday, the Islamic day of prayer, McDonald's gets a Muslim makeover.

Arabic music floats in from the speaker system, workers are dressed in Muslim clothes, and at noon, they file out for Friday prayers.

Golden Arches

Jakarta has seen a series of anti-U.S. protests since the airstrikes began over Afghanistan

In every outlet Arabic writing tells customers the food is halal -- cooked according religious dietary laws -- and the Golden Arches point the way to prayer rooms.

On Indonesian television commercials proudly tell the public how Indonesian McDonald's really is.

For instance, 80% of its supplies comes from local producers -- and it employs 8,000 Indonesians.

Nonetheless many religious groups say American fast food giants are a corrupting influence on Indonesia.

Radical Islamic groups are demanding the government break off all ties with America - whether it's French fries or foreign aid.

But that hasn't stopped the steady demand for Big Macs and chicken McNuggets -- making it clear where the public stands.

For many Indonesians there is no conflict between being a good Muslim and enjoying a meal at McDonald's and the period after Friday prayers is one of the busiest times for McDonald's.

"I don't really see the connection between world politics and American restaurants in Indonesia," says Yuni, a loyal customer, as she tucks into her meal.

"We shouldn't tie McDonald's so closely to America. We know what America is like. We should just take what we feel is appropriate for us as Indonesians and leave the rest."