Foreign Delegations Begin Arriving in Makassar for IGS 2026

Makassar — A number of foreign delegations, including representatives from Pakistan, Fiji, and Australia, have begun arriving in Makassar for the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) Diplomatic Tour Makassar 2026.

The delegations from Pakistan, Fiji, and Australia represent the first group of a total of 28 national representatives attending the IGS Diplomatic Tour Makassar 2026, which is scheduled to take place from 23–25 June 2026.

“We hope this visit can strengthen inter-country relations while opening opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, trade, investment, and cultural development,” said the Deputy Mayor of Makassar, Aliyah Mustika Ilham, after personally welcoming the delegates at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport on Monday.

Through the approach of gastrodiplomacy, participants will be introduced to the rich culinary heritage of the Indonesian archipelago, local wisdom, and the various leading potentials of Makassar as the gateway to the Eastern Indonesian region.

According to Aliyah Mustika Ilham, this activity serves as a strategic momentum to introduce the cultural richness, culinary arts, and economic potential of Makassar City to the international community.

Furthermore, Aliyah Mustika Ilham emphasised that Makassar, as the gateway to the Eastern Indonesian region, holds a strategic position in driving global collaboration. Consequently, the Makassar City Government remains committed to expanding international networks to support inclusive and competitive regional development.

The Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) is a cultural diplomacy programme that introduces Indonesia’s identity and diversity through cuisine as a medium for communication between nations.

The presence of delegates from various countries is expected to strengthen friendly relations, expand international cooperation networks, and enhance the global promotion of Makassar.