There's Missing Behind Subway Stores Instagram Prank

JAKARTA - The Indonesian people were shocked by the emergence of an Instagram account named @subway_id on December 2 yesterday. The appearance of the Subway fast food retail Instagram account is equipped with an upload indicating that they will re-open a branch in Indonesia.

This news made the netizens excited, so the word 'Subway' was trending on social media. However, not long after, the account apologized because subway_id was not the original Subway account.

"I created the account last night (2/12) amidst boredom and never thought it would become big like this," wrote the account owner.

He also promised to delete the Instagram account and warned the public not to easily believe what was happening on the internet.

People are annoyed by this prank. They also became suspicious of the account of Taco Bell, another fast food, which is reportedly expanding to Indonesia. But fortunately, Taco Bell has confirmed that they will be present for real in Indonesia.

On the other hand, not a few people hope that Subway's trending will be glimpsed by the original Subway outlet account so that they make a franchise in Indonesia again. Yes, people miss Subway too.

"Have you opened a branch in Indonesia? If so, we are ready. If not, please think again," wrote a netizen while mentioning the US Subway account.

@SUBWAY Hey guys, just wanna take a moment of your time to confirm the following: Are you guys opening a branch in Indonesia? @IdSubway If so, WE ARE READY! If not, mind considering opening one? K, thx, bye! pic.twitter.com/t8Xj39ec9k

- 🛡️ (@ArsyaRYDN) December 3, 2020

Subway is a fast food outlet from the United States. The name Subway is taken from the submarine sandwich, a sandwich in layers in the shape of a sub. Having been around since 1965, Subway has 44,000 outlets in more than 100 countries.

Initially, Fred DeLuca borrowed $ 1,000 from a friend named Peter Buck to start Pete's Super Submarines business in Bridgeport. However, in 1968, the shop changed its name to Subway and is used today.

There are many things that make Subway food popular, including its varied forms of bread and a choice of toppings that can be adapted for vegans. In addition, the way it is served in front of consumers makes this food 'fresh from the oven'.

Subway outlets were present in Indonesia in the 1990s. At that time they were present at Pondok Indah Mall, Plaza Senayan, Ciputra Mall, and Wisma 46. However, all of these outlets were closed in 2005.

In fact, there are many sandwich outlets available in Indonesia. But people still hope for Subway. With the development of technology and popular culture, Subway is increasingly awaited in the country.

Korean dramas often install Subway as part of PPL (Product Placement), which is placing advertisements in a scene. The scenes that take place at Subway outlets are the scenes most often done in Korean drama productions such as Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, Signal, and many others.

PPL Subway was first shown massively in the Korean drama Prime Minister and I which was released in 2013. In this drama, SNSD's Yoona was seen visiting and gathering at the Subway restaurant many times so that the audience was always reminded of this outlet.

Subway is part of the Korean drama sponsorship. Because of this, the production will always feature a scene or two set in Subway. The use of Subway in Korean makes this brand even more recognizable.

This fast food outlet has succeeded in building brand awareness by inserting its products into the Drakor storyline. Besides, Subway food has always been associated with good things. For example, when character A wants to find food that is easy to eat, character B will recommend Subway.

So, with a prank like this, is there any possibility for Subway to return to Indonesia? In fact, this subway_id account fad resulted in a response from Subway Singapore.

Through their Instagram Story, Subway Singapore wrote, “Wow admin @subway_id, you guys beat us. 16 thousand followers overnight? It is more "viral" than we expected. "

"We have to collaborate in the future, in exchange we will give you 30 subs (the name for the Subway sandwich) for magical / viral content and when we open a branch in Indonesia later. Wait for us, "wrote the Singapore Subway admin.