Makassar to Host 28 Nations for Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series 2026
Makassar has been entrusted to host the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) 2026, scheduled for 23–24 June 2026. The initiative, conceived by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be attended by delegations from 28 friendly nations and will serve as a platform to promote the economic, investment, tourism, and culinary potential of Makassar and South Sulawesi on an international stage.
The event is part of Indonesia’s public diplomacy efforts to introduce various regional potentials to the international community through a culinary approach. The Ministry’s Director of Public Diplomacy, Ani Nigeriawati, stated that the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series programme was launched in December 2023 with the primary aim of supporting and bridging access to information regarding regional potential in trade, investment, tourism, and other strategic sectors, using cuisine as a highly effective instrument to bring friendly nations closer to Indonesia.
According to Ani, gastrodiplomacy is an effective soft power diplomacy instrument that also supports the national programme ‘Indonesia Spice Up the World’ and the promotion of Indonesian spices on the global stage. She noted that the goal is for the international constituency, diplomatic circles, and foreign communities not only to enjoy Indonesian cuisine but, more importantly, to understand the narrative and identity behind it.
Prior to being held in Makassar, similar events were organised in East Nusa Tenggara in 2024 and West Nusa Tenggara in 2025. Ani explained that Makassar was chosen due to its strategic position as a centre for trade, logistics, and maritime activity in the Eastern Indonesia region. She described Makassar as a maritime anchor and a logistics trade anchor for the region with diverse potential.
She emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a shared responsibility to introduce Indonesia’s economic epicentres spread across various regions, not solely concentrated on Java. Furthermore, Makassar is considered to have strong capital in building international networks through various foreign cooperations, including sister city relationships with several friendly nations and the presence of consulates general from countries such as Japan and Australia.
Ani revealed that international community enthusiasm for the IGS 2026 in Makassar is quite high, with the number of participating countries increasing to 28 from the Asia Pacific, Africa, Americas, and Europe regions. Through this event, the Ministry hopes to expand Makassar’s network with the international diplomatic community and open up cooperation opportunities in various sectors.
In addition to culinary promotion, the series of activities will also feature a business and investment forum bringing together foreign delegations with business actors and stakeholders in Makassar. Ani stated that this would be an ideal momentum to introduce what Indonesia wants to offer in terms of collaboration and partnership, believing that the opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment in Makassar are very significant. She expressed hope that the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series momentum would encourage local business actors and MSMEs in Makassar to become more globally recognised.
Meanwhile, Assistant III of the Makassar City Government and Coordinator for the IGS 2026 Implementation, Firman Pagarra, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Makassar to host this year’s IGS. He noted that Makassar was chosen because it possesses various strategic potentials in economy, services, and investment that can be introduced to the participating countries. Since being appointed as host, the Makassar City Government has undertaken various preparations and coordination with multiple parties.