Indonesia Blends Culinary Diplomacy and Aid for Sumatra

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has combined cultural diplomacy and humanitarian relief through a Ramadan initiative aimed at supporting disaster-affected communities in Sumatra. The program, titled “Ramadhan of Food Performative: Rendang untuk Sumatera,” was launched in Depok Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The event was opened by Culture Minister Fadli Zon at Universitas Indonesia and held at the Makara Art Center. It is a collaboration between the Culture Ministry, Marandang Institute, the university’s Directorate of Culture, and the Jakarta Arts Council.

Organizers prepared 17,000 ready-to-eat rendang meal packages for distribution to residents affected by disasters in Sumatra. The initiative integrates gastronomy with performing arts, including music, poetry, and ethnographic exhibitions, reflecting Indonesia’s Ramadan solidarity.

Fadli described the approach as an innovative cultural model that merges artistic expression with social responsibility. “Rendang, or randang in Minang tradition, is part of our extraordinary cultural wealth,” he said.

He emphasized that Indonesia’s culinary diversity represents a form of “megadiversity,” noting that dozens of rendang varieties exist in West Sumatra alone. According to him, promoting Indonesian cuisine globally fulfills the constitutional mandate to advance national culture within world civilization.

The minister also highlighted the strategic value of rendang as humanitarian aid. He explained that the dish is locally sourced, preservative-free, long-lasting, and ready to consume without reheating, making it suitable for disaster situations.

Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at Universitas Indonesia, Hamdi Muluk, said the initiative reflects the Minangkabau philosophy of “Tungku Tigo Sajarangan,” which emphasizes balanced leadership and synergy. “Cultural diplomacy through rendang not only strengthens identity, but also shows care for disaster-affected communities,” he stated.

Chef Aidil Usman added that the movement prepared 1.5 tons of rendang using 26 woks and stoves funded through public donations. He described rendang as more than food, calling it “a representation of patience, collective work, and shared cultural values,” underscoring Indonesia’s message of solidarity to the world.