Indonesian Consulate General in Noumea Strengthens Economic Diplomacy via Culinary Festival
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Noumea organised an Indonesian culinary festival as a vehicle for economic diplomacy to promote Indonesian products, culture, and tourism to the people of New Caledonia. The event, titled ‘La Journée Culinaire Indonésienne 202scale’, held on Sunday in Noumea, was attended by over 2,000 visitors from various regions of New Caledonia.
“This event serves as a simple yet meaningful bridge that brings two cultures together through food,” said the Indonesian Consul General in Noumea, Bambang Gunawan, in a press release. The event took place amidst the economic recovery of New Caledonia following the pandemic and the civil unrest that occurred in May 2024.
KJRI Noumea views the activity as a positive momentum to strengthen relations and open opportunities for more constructive economic cooperation between Indonesia and New Caledonia. Through the festival, Indonesia hopes that archipelago products will be more widely known by the local community, including signature snacks such as Bakso Malang and various traditional market treats. Additionally, several Indonesian products, such as instant noodles, are already widely recognised and available in various supermarkets in Noumea.
The festival was organised with the support of 12 participants, including the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of KJRI Noumea, associations of the Indonesian community and its descendants, as well as entrepreneurs from among Indonesian citizens and the diaspora. The exhibition also featured a historical photo exhibition of KJRI Noumea and works highlighting the journey of the Indonesian descendant community in New Caledonia. Various cultural performances, ranging from gamelan, angklung, and traditional dances to pencak silat, were presented and well-received by visitors. In addition to the general public, the event was attended by foreign representatives and local community leaders, serving as a platform to strengthen ties with various stakeholders in New Caledonia.