KBRN, Bandung: “Gastrodiplomacy Journey: Immersive Culinary Experiences of Indonesia and Thailand” was held at the pendopo in Bandung City Hall, West Java, Sunday (27/4/2025). The event was a collaboration between Padjadjaran University, Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Thai Embassy in Jakarta, supported by the Bandung municipal government.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event emphasized the powerful role of gastronomy as a diplomatic tool and cultural bridge. It featured a gastrodiplomacy talk, a live cooking session, and a one-on-one academic meeting between Padjadjaran University and neighboring country representatives.

With over 100 participants, the gastrodiplomacy talk shared insights on gastronomy’s role in diplomacy, culinary heritage, and innovation. Assistant Director of the Thai Trade Center in Jakarta,Kumtornpol Buapatch, presented Thailand’s proactive culinary diplomacy efforts to promote Thai cuisine globally.

Additionally, founder of Javara Indonesia, Helianti Hilman, spoke about promoting indigenous food traditions and sustainable practices. Food historian Fadly Rahman from Padjadjaran University enriched the discussion by analyzing food’s role in shaping cultural narratives.

Participants also enjoyed a live cooking demonstration by professional chefs and traditional dishes from Indonesian and Thai restaurants. Each culinary presentation showcased the rich flavors, cultural heritage, and shared values between the two nations.

Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy, Siti Nugraha Mauludiah, said that celebrating culinary traditions strengthens shared heritage and fosters deeper collaboration. She expressed hope that gastrodiplomacy would enhance people-to-people contact between Indonesia and Thailand.