Ministry of Culture Collaborates to Distribute 17,000 Rendang Meal Packages to Sumatra
The Ministry of Culture, Marandang Institute, Directorate of Culture at the University of Indonesia, Jakarta Arts Council, and various other parties assisted disaster-affected residents in Sumatra by distributing 17,000 packets of ready-to-eat rendang.
The distribution of rendang packets was organised as part of the “Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang for Sumatra” event held at the University of Indonesia, Depok, on Sunday (1 March).
“Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang for Sumatra” blended gastronomy with performing arts, including music, poetry, and ethnography exhibitions, as an expression of cultural identity united in the spirit of Ramadan solidarity.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon described this approach as a form of cultural innovation combining artistic elements with social concern simultaneously. He emphasised that gastronomy and food are objects of cultural advancement.
“Rendang, or randang in Minangkabau terminology, is part of our remarkable cultural wealth. Its variations are extremely diverse—even in West Sumatra alone there are dozens of rendang types across various districts and cities. This exemplifies Indonesia’s megadiversity, including in culinary traditions,” Fadli Zon stated in a written statement on Monday (2 March 2026).
Fadli also appreciated the role of various culinary figures and enthusiasts in internationalising rendang as an icon of Indonesian gastronomy. According to him, promoting Nusantaran cuisine on the global stage represents the real implementation of the constitutional mandate to advance Indonesian culture amid world civilisation.
Furthermore, he emphasised that selecting rendang as food aid held strategic value. Beyond being based on local food, rendang has long shelf life without preservatives and can be consumed immediately without requiring additional heating, making it highly relevant for disaster situations and rehabilitation periods.
“Mutual cooperation is 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 said.
Through “Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang for Sumatra,” the Ministry of Culture affirmed that cultural advancement is not merely interpreted as preservation and promotion, but also as concrete action delivering direct impact for society. He explained the initiative exemplifies how cultural wealth—in this case, rendang gastronomy—can be presented as a humanitarian solution and cultural diplomacy simultaneously, strengthening national solidarity.
“Going forward, cross-ministerial collaboration involving universities, cultural communities, and the broader public is expected to continue growing as a practice of mutual cooperation that makes culture a unifying force and catalyst for national compassion,” he said.
Meanwhile, University of Indonesia Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Hamdi Muluk stated that this activity reflected the Minangkabau philosophy of “Tungku Tigo Sajarangan” (Three-Stone Fireplace), emphasising synergy and balance in leadership and community life.
“Cultural diplomacy activities through rendang not only strengthen cultural identity but also demonstrate compassion towards those affected by disaster. This represents the contribution of universities and cultural communities to society,” he said.
He added that aligned with UI’s vision of “Excellent and Impactful for Indonesia,” this activity affirmed the university’s role extends beyond education and research to encompass community service and cultural advancement.
On the same occasion, Chef Aidil Usman stated that the “Rendang for Sumatra” movement prepared 1.5 tonnes of rendang this time. To support the movement’s sustainability, his team prepared 26 woks, 26 gas cookers, and 26 stoves as production facility investments, operated in the spirit of mutual cooperation and public donations.
According to him, rendang is more than just a dish—it represents cultural values from a gastronomy perspective, embodying patience, work intensity, togetherness, and deep appreciation.
“Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang for Sumatra” was attended by numerous national figures including the Minister for Empowerment, Women and Child Protection, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi; cultural figure and activist Inayah Wahid; Chef Aidil Usman of Marandang Institute; culinary expert William Wongso; and various academics from the University of Indonesia.
Also accompanying Fadli Zon were the Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture, Fryda Lucyana; Director-General for Cultural Protection and Tradition, Restu Gunawan; Special Staff to the Culture Minister for Protocol and Household Affairs, Rachmanda Primayudha; Director of Human Resources, Institutions and Cultural Structures Development, Irini Dewi Wanti; Director of Cultural Values Empowerment and Intellectual Property Facilitation, Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu; Director of Cultural Promotion, Undri; Director of Cultural Facilities and Infrastructure, Feri Arlius; and Director of Film, Music and Arts, Syaifullah.