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fter taking over the McDonald's brand in June, Rekso Nasional Food (RNF) opened its first McDonald's outlet in Kebo Iwa, Bali, the seventh McD outlet on the island, with a bang.

A troupe of 1,008 Pendet dancers, accompanied by half a dozen fully attired traditional music players, was deployed to signal the opening. The parking space was filled and the road in front of the outlet was occupied to win a record from the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) in acknowledgement of having the highest number of dancers ever organized to dance Pendet.

Jro Komang Gde Urip Tribhuana, the man behind Sanggar Langlang Bhuana, a well-known private institution in Balinese performing arts, came up with the idea. He received support from both McDonald's International and RNF for the realization, done concurrently with the new outlet opening on Dec. 23.

Committed to opening at least 10 new outlets in Indonesia throughout the course of five years, RNF has pledged to re-model a number of stores to meet McD's international standards.

"The new outlet is proof of RNF's commitment to develop and strengthen McDonald's existence in Indonesia," stated RNF's president director Sukowati Sosrodjojo, adding that the group "remains optimistic about the brand's business opportunities in the country".

The new Kebo Iwa outlet adopted the Balinese traditional housing fa*ade, employing Limasan roof design completed with balai bengong and sanggha to honor local cultures and offer prayers to Shang Hyang Widhi. It also features free Wi-Fi connection, a children's playground, kids' birthday venue, a drive thru and 24/7 delivery services.

RNF has also committed to including local businesses to support McDonald's outlets throughout Indonesia, gradually replacing imported food materials such as bread, vegetables and patties with high quality local products.

Also attending the new outlet opening was the mayor of Denpasar, IB Rai Darmawijaya Mantra, who said he expected the outlet would "add investment value to the newly developed business and housing area".

The new store complements the six previously established outlets on Bali, located in major tourist spots like Kuta Beach, Kuta Square, along the bypass in Legian and Jimbaran.

With franchises scattered in 53 countries around the globe, McDonald's has made a number of breakthroughs throughout the year, changing the red iconic logo to green in Germany and recently holding an international singing competition titled Voice of McDonald's involving 10,000 McD employees worldwide.