Padang Sets Sights on UNESCO Gastronomy City Status
- 10 Agt 2026 19:07 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- The central government supports Padang’s bid to become Indonesia’s first City of Gastronomy in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
- Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya said gastronomy can drive the creative economy by connecting culture, history, tourism, design, the arts, and local businesses.
RRI.CO.ID, Padang – The central government has expressed its support for Padang’s bid to become a “City of Gastronomy” within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya opened the “Talk on Taste” forum at the Mini Stage in Padang’s Old Town area on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The forum, part of the series of events marking Padang’s 357th anniversary, positioned gastronomy as more than food. It was presented as a creative‑economy strategy linking culture, history, design, the arts, tourism, and local businesses.
As reported by infopublik.id, the minister said the central government supports Padang’s efforts to become Indonesia’s first gastronomy city within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
He said gastronomy could become a driving force for the creative economy if developed through an ecosystem involving government, communities, businesses, and creative practitioners.
He added that Padang must strengthen its foundations. Gastronomy cannot rely solely on Minangkabau cuisine; it must also be supported by destination quality, cleanliness, services, infrastructure, and business readiness to meet required standards.
Padang Mayor Fadly Amran said the city administration was prepared to undertake improvements, including infrastructure upgrades, kitchen hygiene, toilet facilities, restaurant certification, and service‑quality enhancements.
These measures are increasingly relevant amid rising tourist arrivals. According to city data, visitor numbers increased from 4.3 million in 2024 to 5.5 million in 2025.
The growth indicates a larger market for the gastronomy ecosystem. The challenge is ensuring that rising tourist numbers also generate added value for culinary MSMEs, restaurants, creative practitioners, hospitality businesses, and the broader tourism sector.
“Talk on Taste” featured culinary experts and practitioners, including William Wongso, Lord Ardi, and representatives of the Indonesia Culinary Council: Roby Bagindo, Gupta Sitorus, and Ray Janson.
The event also carried a social‑concern message. Organizers held a large‑scale cooking activity featuring 1,000 portions of rendang fried rice, sold for IDR 357,000 (USD 20.10) per portion. Proceeds were directed toward fundraising for flood victims.
The charitable element broadened the meaning of the gastronomy agenda during Padang’s 357th anniversary. Culinary heritage was positioned not only as a commodity and tourist attraction but also as a means of strengthening social solidarity.
“All donations will be handed over to communities affected by disasters. The anniversary celebration is also serving as a source of collective strength for Padang and all its residents to rise together,” Mayor Fadly said on Monday, August 10, 2026.
For Padang, the drive to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy is about more than securing an international label. Recognition must be supported by a well‑prepared gastronomy ecosystem capable of preserving Minangkabau culinary heritage while creating business opportunities and improving community welfare.
The central government’s support through “Talk on Taste” provides momentum to strengthen Padang’s priorities. The city’s widely recognized culinary wealth needs to be transformed into high‑quality tourism experiences, improved service standards, and a creative‑economy ecosystem that delivers direct benefits to residents. ***
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