KBRN, Paris: Indonesia received the 2026 New Destination Champion Award at the Annual La Liste Awards Ceremony on November 24, 2025, affirming its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing culinary destinations.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana accepted the award, marking a milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to promote its gastronomy internationally.

This year’s ceremony also celebrated La Liste’s 10th anniversary and was organized in collaboration with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and the Ambassador of France, who is also La Liste President Philippe Fauré, hosted the event.

Each year, La Liste compiles the World’s Top 1000 Best Restaurants and presents special awards to individuals, restaurants, and countries contributing to global gastronomy.

Indonesia’s recognition was part of these Special Awards. La Liste positions itself as a selective global culinary guide, accessible digitally to gourmet travelers worldwide.

The award carries strategic value in strengthening Indonesia’s image as a leading global gastronomic destination and advancing culinary diplomacy. It also provides momentum to promote the archipelago’s rich culinary traditions, previously supported through programs such as Wonderful Indonesia Gourmet.

As part of the 2026 New Destination Champion Award, La Liste recognized two Indonesian restaurants as Gastronomy Ambassadors: Rumari – Raffles Bali, represented by Chef Gaetan Biesuz, and Esa Restaurant in Jakarta, represented by Chef Aditya Muskita. This year also marked Rumari – Raffles Bali’s debut in the World’s Top 1000 Best Restaurants.

“We are extremely honored and delighted that Indonesia has received an award from La Liste, which is a global acknowledgement of the diversity and distinctiveness of Indonesian cuisine,” Minister Widiyanti said.

She emphasized that the award belongs not only to the Ministry of Tourism but also to farmers, fishermen, culinary entrepreneurs, chefs, MSMEs, and communities across the archipelago who have preserved and enriched Indonesia’s traditions.

The La Liste 10th Anniversary series took place over two days, November 23 to 24, 2025, attended by former prime ministers, ministers, international gastronomy figures, and chefs from various countries.

Indonesia hopes the achievement will elevate its position on the global gastronomic map and foster collaboration across international culinary ecosystems.

“This accomplishment strengthens our dedication to establishing gastronomy as a key component of Indonesian tourism and as a tool for cultural diplomacy worldwide. We will continue to introduce Indonesian flavors to the international stage and ensure that the richness of our gastronomy is increasingly recognized, appreciated, and loved globally,” Minister Widiyanti said.

With this award, the Tourism Ministry pledged to continue fostering innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of Indonesian culinary culture to boost international awareness and appreciation. The momentum is expected to advance Indonesian cuisine, improve competitiveness, and secure its role on the global culinary stage with the support of stakeholders. ***