Indonesia Summer Festival 2026 Brings Cultures Together in Bucharest

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A vibrant showcase of culture and friendship unfolded at the Indonesia Summer Festival 2026, where the Indonesian Embassy in Bucharest and the Indonesian Students Association in Romania introduced the richness of Indonesian arts, cuisine, and traditions to more than 1,200 visitors.

The festival, held on September 12 at the embassy grounds, drew warm enthusiasm from the Indonesian community, Romanian citizens, the diplomatic corps, and alumni of Indonesia’s Darmasiswa scholarship program. Guests enjoyed traditional performances, culinary delights, and even Indonesian spa therapy services.

Indonesian Ambassador to Romania and Moldova, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, emphasized the festival’s role as a bridge for deeper understanding between the two nations. “Beyond enjoying Indonesia’s diverse cuisine and cultural performances, this festival strengthens friendship and builds greater mutual appreciation,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Highlights included a mesmerizing Balinese dance staged by Sanggar Seni Jepun Bali Bucharest, complete with traditional costumes and music, and an interactive angklung performance led by young Indonesians and Romanians under the guidance of embassy staff.

Food stalls became a centerpiece of the celebration, offering favorites such as nasi Padang, empek‑empek, bakso, siomay, sate ayam, batagor, tahu gejrot, tempe, and assorted fried snacks.

Visitors lined up eagerly, with many returning to sample dishes they had never tried before. Traditional drinks like beras kencur, kunyit asam, es dawet, and bir pletok added to the culinary journey, alongside Indonesian coffee, spices, and herbal products.

The festival also introduced Indonesian wellness traditions through spa therapy sessions, while fostering warm exchanges between the Indonesian diaspora and Romanian guests.

Beyond cultural promotion, the event carried a humanitarian message by raising donations for communities in East Nusa Tenggara affected by recent earthquakes, underscoring how cultural diplomacy can also be a platform for solidarity and care. ***