Restaurant directory app Zomato has announced that it will cease operations in Indonesia after having been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure will also stop the app’s premium subscription service Zomato Pro, previously Zomato Gold, in the country.
Zomato Pro members were recently notified via email and through the app that they can still use the program’s service until Nov. 30, and that they should receive a refund from the subscription fee in 15-30 working days. According to the announcement, the pro-rated refund is based on the number of months or visits utilized as per the user’s subscription plan — taking into account the extension period given due to COVID-19.
Launched in 2018, Zomato Pro is a paid feature that allows its members to get a number of benefits, such as making table reservations through the app and exclusive offers at partner restaurants.
As confirmed by Zomato Indonesia, users in the country can still access the restaurant directory through its app and website. Moving forward, content maintenance will be carried out directly from Zomato’s HQ in India. Without a local team here, it appears that there will be delays in restaurant data updates, if at all.
Besides Indonesia, the app also shut down Zomato Pro in the Philippines. It is not yet known precisely how many employees are impacted due to Zomato’s closure in Indonesia, but the Indian startup company has cut hundreds of jobs back in May. Around 13 percent, or around 500 people, from a total of 4,000 employees globally have reportedly been laid off, and those who remain have had their salaries reduced.
Aside from Zomato, culinary apps such as Qraved, Eatigo, or Pergikuliner also offer similar services in Indonesia.
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