Minister of Culture Opens "Rendang for Sumatra", Distributes 17,000 Rendang Packages

Depok – Indonesia’s Minister of Culture (Menbud) Fadli Zon officially opened “Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang for Sumatra” at Makara Art Center, University of Indonesia, Depok, on Sunday.

The programme distributed 17,000 packages of ready-to-eat rendang to residents affected by disasters in Sumatra, whilst affirming gastronomy as an act of national solidarity.

This collaborative initiative, involving the Ministry of Culture, Marandang Institute, the University of Indonesia’s Directorate of Culture, Jakarta Arts Council, and various other partners, combined food with performing arts, music, poetry, and ethnographic exhibitions in the spirit of Ramadan solidarity.

In his remarks, Fadli described the approach as a cultural innovation combining art and social concern simultaneously, whilst asserting gastronomy as an object of cultural advancement.

“Rendang or randang in the Minangkabau dialect is part of our extraordinary cultural wealth. Its varieties are extremely numerous – even in West Sumatra alone there are dozens of types of rendang across various districts and cities. This is Indonesia’s megadiversity richness, including in culinary terms,” the Minister explained in a press statement.

“Mutual cooperation is the key. Cross-institutional collaboration like this demonstrates that with a spirit of togetherness, we can provide real solutions for our brothers and sisters affected by disaster,” he added.

UI Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Hamdi Muluk described the event as reflecting the Minangkabau philosophy of “Tungku Tigo Sajarangan” (three hearths in harmony).

“Cultural diplomacy through rendang not only strengthens cultural identity, but also demonstrates concern for those affected by disaster. This is a manifestation of higher education and cultural community contributions to society,” he said.

Chef Aidil Usman added that the initiative prepared 1.5 tonnes of rendang supported by 26 woks, 26 gas stoves, and 26 cooking hearths as investments in production facilities based on mutual cooperation and community donations.