Nazi-Themed Soldier Café Reopens in Bandung, Indonesia

In 2011, a small coffeehouse in Indonesia’s fourth-largest city unveiled an unusual theme — one that would soon spark global controversy. Tucked in Bandung, the so-called 'Soldier Café' leaned heavily on Nazi military aesthetics, shocking visitors with swastikas, portraits of Adolf Hitler, and other symbols tied to one of history’s most reviled regimes. The controversy peaked in 2013 after an article by a British journalist led to international condemnation and forced closure. Yet, more than a decade later, the same café has quietly reopened — swastikas and all.

The Soldier Café in Bandung, Indonesia, reopened in June 2024 with its Nazi insignia still on display, including the swastika and portraits of Hitler. Despite adding figures like Churchill and Stalin to broaden the theme, the café continues to feature unmistakable Nazi iconography such as the SS eagle emblem.

What Is the Soldier Café?

The Soldier Café is located in Bandung, a city about 180 kilometres southeast of Jakarta. Originally opened in 2011 by owner Henry Mulyana, the business adopted a soldier-themed décor centred around Nazi Germany. Its interior featured prominent Nazi symbols including the swastika, portraits of Adolf Hitler, and SS military emblems. The original concept drew heavy criticism and was shut down in 2013 following global outrage after coverage by an expatriate British journalist.

Why Did the Café Close — And Then Reopen?

In July 2013, international attention turned to the Soldier Café after a British journalist living in Indonesia published a report highlighting its Nazi-themed design. The outcry was swift, with condemnations from various countries and human rights groups. Under mounting pressure, local authorities instructed Mulyana to close the café. He faced accusations of inciting racial hatred. The closure lasted over a decade, but in 2024, Mulyana decided to reopen — this time rebranding the theme as broader World War II rather than solely Nazi-focused.

What’s Different This Time?

Mulyana claims the café’s new incarnation explores the entirety of World War II. Alongside existing Hitler portraits and swastikas, he has added images of Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin to suggest a more inclusive historical scope. However, visitors on reopening day reported seeing the SS eagle emblem still prominently displayed. Mulyana insists all decorations are legal and meant as historical references. He also noted that many European customers did not find the imagery offensive. During the reopening event, several Indonesian youths dressed in military uniforms — one wearing a swastika armband — took part, and some visitors posed in a mock 'interrogation room' inside the café.

What Do Locals and Visitors Say?

Mega, a 25-year-old visitor, stated that she views the café as a commercial venture rather than an ideological statement. She claimed that many patrons, including intellectuals and World War II enthusiasts, come to the café out of historical interest. Nevertheless, the presence of Nazi insignia continues to draw criticism, especially given Indonesia’s complex historical relationship with fascism and colonialism. The continued display of overt Nazi symbols — in spite of the rebranded theme — raises questions about historical sensitivity and the boundaries of themed hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Soldier Café located?

The Soldier Café is in Bandung, a major city in West Java, Indonesia, located approximately 180 kilometres southeast of Jakarta.

Did the Soldier Café originally open with Nazi themes?

Yes, the café originally opened in 2011 with a strong focus on Nazi Germany, featuring swastikas, portraits of Hitler, and SS military insignia.

Why was the café closed in 2013?

The café was closed in July 2013 after international media coverage, particularly by a British journalist, led to global condemnation. Local authorities acted amid accusations of inciting racial hatred.

What changes were made when it reopened in 2024?

When the café reopened in June 2024, it added images of Churchill and Stalin to suggest a wider World War II theme, but retained Nazi symbols like the swastika and SS eagle. The owner claims the theme is now historical rather than ideological.

Are the Nazi symbols still displayed?

Yes, despite the rebranding, Nazi symbols including the swastika and SS eagle insignia were still visible during the reopening in 2024.

How have visitors reacted to the reopening?

Some visitors, including local youths and international guests, treated the café as a historical or commercial novelty. However, the continued presence of Nazi iconography remains controversial and has drawn criticism.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Indonesian Coffee

If you’re curious about Indonesia’s real coffee heritage — beyond themed cafés — try FrontStreet’s Lintong Mandheling, a classic single-origin from North Sumatra with notes of spice, black chocolate, and caramel. For a more refined cup, the PWN Golden Mandheling offers a rich profile of toast, pine, caramel, and cocoa, with a deep, sweet finish. Both beans are processed using Indonesia’s signature wet-hulling (giling basah) method, giving them their earthy depth. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.