RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia strengthens its culinary diplomacy through the Gastronomy Promotion Mission in Germany from August 5 to 10, 2026. The initiative aims to introduce Indonesian cuisine while promoting the nation's cultural identity and rich culinary heritage to international audiences.

In a recent episode of VOI Talk, an Indonesian professional chef who leads the mission, Chef Degan Septoadji, said this year's mission builds on last year's program with broader ambitions and stronger international partnerships. The expanded delegation will feature more chefs, regional stories, and culinary expertise representing Indonesia's diverse gastronomic traditions.

The mission will feature two main activities, including a five-course Indonesian gala dinner and hands-on cooking classes for participants. Gala dinners will run from August 5 to 8, followed by cooking classes on August 9 and 10.

The carefully curated menu highlights dishes inspired by North Sumatra, Bali, West Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and Central Java. Each course presents authentic Indonesian flavors while adopting modern presentation techniques to appeal to international diners without sacrificing authenticity.

According to him, every selected dish tells Indonesia's story through its history, traditions, biodiversity, and regional culinary heritage. He said the mission seeks to inspire curiosity about Indonesia by allowing international guests to experience its culture through food.

The culinary team has also expanded this year, including Chef Mili, reflecting a collaborative approach to promoting Indonesian cuisine internationally. He emphasized that showcasing Indonesia's culinary diversity requires teamwork, shared expertise, and representation from different regions across the archipelago.

Chef Degan believes Indonesian cuisine deserves greater international recognition because of its extraordinary biodiversity, regional diversity, and centuries of culinary traditions. He expressed hope that continued collaboration among chefs and stakeholders will secure Indonesia's place on the global gastronomy stage.