Tourism Minister Wants Chef Expo 2026 to Strengthen Indonesian Gastronomy for Global Recognition

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana wants the “Chef Expo 2026” to serve as a strategic collaboration space that strengthens joint efforts to bring Indonesian gastronomy to the global stage. “Nusantara’s gastronomic culture and Indonesia’s tourism are two inseparable aspects. The more popular Indonesian food becomes, the greater Indonesia’s appeal as a world tourism destination,” Widiyanti said in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday. At the opening of “Chef Expo 2026” at NICE PIK 2, Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/5), Widiyanti stated that the culinary industry or gastronomy is closely linked to the tourism sector. Cuisine serves as one of the main attractions that encourages tourists to travel and learn about a nation’s cultural identity. Moreover, Indonesia has significant potential to become a global gastronomic powerhouse through its wealth of spices, cultural diversity, and generational culinary traditions that have produced unique flavours not found in other nations. Therefore, the culinary event is seen not only as a gathering for industry players but also as a source of inspiration for the public to better appreciate and love Indonesia’s culinary richness. Additionally, the rising popularity of Indonesian cuisine will encourage more Indonesian restaurants to open in various countries. This is believed to create new job opportunities for Indonesian culinary workers while increasing tourist visits to the homeland. “Ultimately, this will create a multiplier effect on the national economy through bookings for accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, and food products,” she said. To support the strengthening of national gastronomy, the government continues to accelerate development through various strategic cross-ministry and agency programmes. One of them is the “Serasa” programme, which aims to increase the number of authentic Indonesian restaurants abroad as part of Indonesia’s gastro-diplomacy. The Ministry of Tourism also introduces a category for sustainable restaurants through the Wonderful Indonesia Awards as a form of appreciation for environmentally friendly and sustainable culinary practices. “Chef Expo 2026” will take place from 6–9 May 2026 at NICE PIK 2 and will feature renowned Indonesian chefs such as Chef Juna, Chef Chandra Yudasswara, Bunda Sisca Soewitomo, Chef Axhiang, Chef Mutho, and others who will conduct cooking demonstration sessions for Nusantara cuisine. In addition to showcasing the culinary industry exhibition, Chef Expo 2026 will also host various competitions participated in by professional chefs and junior chefs. These competitions include Indonesian food presentations, modern plated desserts, cake decoration, fruit carving, rijsttafel competitions, and the Black Box Challenge with Chef Juna and Chef Ragil as judges.