Indonesian MSMEs Showcase Rendang and Coffee at Borneo Carnival in Sarawak

A number of Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) brought the flavours of West Sumatran rendang and Nusantara coffee to the Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival (TOBC) 4.0, held from 2 to 12 July 2026 in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. The Indonesian MSMEs and a cultural arts delegation received full support from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kuching, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and cultural diplomacy whilst expanding market access for national MSME products in the Borneo region. The KJRI Kuching stated that Indonesia’s participation was carried out through cooperation with the Minangkabau Economic and Cultural Movement (GEBU Minang) and coordination with the Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Office of West Sumatra Province. Seven MSMEs from West Sumatra showcased approximately 250 kilogrammes of flagship products, including rendang, various processed Minangkabau specialities, coffee, spices, traditional fabrics, and handicrafts representing Indonesia’s cultural wealth. In addition to product promotion, Indonesia presented cultural performances through the Rumah Pintar Panyakalan dance studio from Solok, which performed various traditional Minangkabau dances throughout the festival. The presence of creative economy products and cultural performances served as a means to introduce Indonesia’s cultural richness to the Sarawak community and international visitors. Consul General Abdullah Zulkifli remarked that the Taste of Borneo is not merely a culinary festival, but also a celebration of cultural diversity, traditions, and shared values that strengthen cross-border community ties. The festival also provided an effective platform to introduce Indonesia’s tourism potential, culture, and flagship products to an international audience. On the occasion, the Consul General promoted West Sumatra as a premier Indonesian destination, highlighting its natural beauty, Minangkabau cultural wealth, and world-renowned cuisine, including rendang. He invited the people of Sarawak and the international community to visit West Sumatra and experience firsthand the cultural richness, cuisine, and hospitality of the Indonesian people. Meanwhile, GEBU Minang delegation head Liza Mustafa Abubakar expressed hope that participation in the festival would open export opportunities, expand business networks, attract investment, and increase foreign tourist visits to West Sumatra. TOBC 4.0 was attended by participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and China, making it one of the largest cultural and culinary festivals in the Sarawak region. Through Indonesia’s participation, KJRI Kuching hopes to foster greater collaboration in trade, the creative economy, tourism, and culture between Indonesia and Sarawak. The involvement reflects KJRI Kuching’s commitment to leveraging cultural diplomacy and the creative economy as instruments to strengthen people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Malaysia, whilst enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian MSME products in the international market.