Foreign Ministry Appreciates 6th IGS Packaged with 'Jejak Rasa' in Makassar

Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R. Heru Hartanto Subolo, has expressed appreciation for the 6th Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) Diplomatic Tour Goes to Makassar, packaged with the philosophy of ‘Jejak Rasa’ and held from 23 to 25 June 2026. “Allow me to convey our sincere appreciation to the Mayor of Makassar, the Makassar City Government, members of the Forkopimda, the DPRD, and all stakeholders who have dedicated extraordinary cooperation to make this programme happen,” he said during his speech at the Gala Dinner and opening of the 6th IGS at Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday evening (23/6). Heru added that the strong partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Makassar demonstrates how national and local actors can work hand in hand in engaging with this international activity. Appreciation was also extended for the presence of Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Consuls General who joined the day’s activities. “Your presence reflects the enduring friendship between Indonesia and your respective countries, as well as a shared commitment to building bridges across cultures and societies,” he explained. The sixth series of Indonesia Gastro Diplomacy is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched in 2023 to showcase Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage while strengthening international engagement through one of the most universal languages known to humankind: food. Over the years, Gastro Diplomacy has evolved into more than just a culinary event. It has become a platform connecting local governments, communities, the creative industry, and international partners. The Indonesian Government was honoured to welcome representatives from 28 attending countries, including Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. “We hope that the delegates will discover not only the city’s economic investment potential, which will be presented tomorrow, but also its dynamic culture, rich historical heritage, and the hospitality of its people. Moreover, they will experience firsthand why Makassar has long been a meeting point of civilisations and a centre of maritime exchange,” he said. The delegates also had the opportunity to enjoy some of South Sulawesi’s most iconic culinary traditions, including Coto Makassar, Konro, Palubasa, and various other delicious seafood dishes reflecting generations of cultural heritage and local history. “While enjoying tonight’s performances and culinary offerings, let us remember that every dish tells a story, every flavour carries a legacy, and every shared table creates an opportunity for mutual understanding among nations,” said Heru. On the occasion, Mayor of Makassar Munafri Arifuddin expressed pride and welcomed the partner country delegates to Fort Rotterdam, which holds a long history related to the name Makassar. “Tonight is not merely a dinner banquet. It is a celebration of friendship, culture, and diplomacy through food. Gastronomy has a unique power to unite people, allowing us to share stories, traditions, and values beyond borders and language. Makassar is proud of its rich culinary heritage. We often say that dieting is difficult in Makassar because there is always a delicious dish waiting to be enjoyed at any time of the day. We hope this dinner banquet becomes a memorable first journey in tasting the flavours of our city,” he told the delegate guests in his speech.