RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is spotlighting cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of its tourism promotion, with Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana visiting the Rumah Budaya Indonesia/RBI (Haus der Indonesischen Kulturen) in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

“Culture is the main gateway to building Indonesia’s tourism appeal. Through the Indonesian Cultural House, we invite the world to discover Indonesia more deeply, where tourism offers authentic experiences rooted in tradition, community, and creativity,” Minister Widiyanti said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday, March 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy in Germany, Fajar Wirawan Harijo, Minister Widiyanti toured the center’s Indonesian language classrooms, library, and angklung room -- where visitors learn the bamboo musical instrument known for its harmonious tones produced by shaking.

She also observed international participants practicing gamelan, the traditional ensemble of percussive instruments from Bali and Java, celebrated for its layered rhythms and communal performance style.

During her visit, Minister Widiyanti engaged with German residents studying Indonesian language and arts, including Bennet and Gerret, twin brothers who have traveled across Indonesia to learn the language and share their experiences as content creators under the name @raksasajerman, popular among audiences in both countries.

The minister underscored that the visit aligns with Indonesia’s tourism branding “Wonderful Indonesia” and the campaign #GoBeyondOrdinary, positioning cultural diplomacy as a way to showcase not only natural beauty but also creativity, wisdom, and living traditions.

Roniyus Marjunus, Education and Cultural Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, highlighted the strategic role of the RBI in promoting tourism.

“It serves as both a cultural showcase and an effective platform to strengthen Indonesia’s image as a premier destination. Through initiatives like this, we encourage German society to engage with and visit Indonesia more sustainably,” he said.

Founded in 2012 and relocated to Berlin’s Tiergarten district in 2017, the RBI has become a hub for cultural exchange, offering programs in arts, language, and education. It functions as a meeting point for the Indonesian diaspora and German communities interested in Indonesian culture, reinforcing people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Minister Widiyanti also visited Dapoer, a restaurant owned by Indonesian diaspora member Emma Tjandradinata, where she enjoyed authentic Indonesian cuisine during a Ramadan fast-breaking meal -- another example of how culinary traditions complement Indonesia’s broader cultural tourism narrative. ***