Minister of Tourism Visits the Indonesian Cultural House in Berlin

RRI.CO.ID, Berlin - As part of her official working visit to Germany, the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, along with the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Indonesian Embassy in Germany, Fajar Wirawan Harijo, visited the Indonesian Cultural House (RBI) / Haus der Indonesischen Kulturen on Tuesday, 4 March 2026.

The Indonesian Cultural House (RBI) is an inclusive and open cultural center and public space dedicated to promoting Indonesian arts, language, and traditions to the German public and the international community. The RBI serves as a meeting point for cultural interaction, both for the Indonesian diaspora and for Germans interested in Indonesian culture.

The Minister of Tourism visited the Indonesian language learning room, library, and angklung room, and enjoyed live performances by people from various countries studying Balinese and Javanese gamelan. The Minister also spoke with Germans studying Indonesian and participants in arts and culture courses at the RBI, including German twins Bennet and Gerret, who have traveled around Indonesia learning Indonesian and are well-known content creators in Indonesia and Germany under the handle @raksasajerman.

Managed by the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, RBI was first launched in 2012 and then relocated and reopened to its current location in the Tiergarten area of Berlin in 2017. Since then, RBI has served as a strategic instrument of Indonesian cultural diplomacy by building and strengthening people-to-people contact between Indonesia and Germany through various arts, culture, and education programs.

The Minister of Tourism's visit to the RBI is part of an effort to strengthen the promotion of Indonesian tourism through a cultural approach, in line with the Wonderful Indonesia branding and the Go Beyond Ordinary campaign. Through cultural diplomacy, Indonesia presents a tourism experience that exceeds expectations, showcasing not only natural beauty but also the depth of cultural values, creativity, and local wisdom.

Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, expressed her appreciation for the role of the RBI and the participants, especially Germans studying Indonesian language and culture. "Culture is the main gateway to building Indonesia's tourism appeal. Through the Indonesian Cultural House, we invite the world to learn more about Indonesia, where Indonesian tourism offers authentic experiences rooted in culture, tradition, and community interaction," the Minister of Tourism stated.

Meanwhile, the Education and Cultural Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, Roniyus Marjunus, stated that the RBI plays a strategic role in supporting tourism promotion in Germany. "The Indonesian Cultural House serves as a cultural showcase and an effective means of strengthening Indonesia's image as a leading tourism destination. Through cultural diplomacy like this, we encourage Germans to learn about and visit Indonesia in a more sustainable way," Roniyus said.

Before visiting the RBI, Minister Widiyanti visited Dapoer Restaurant to enjoy iftar (breaking the fast) meals. This restaurant, owned by Indonesian diaspora Emma Tjandradinata, features an Indonesian chef, adding to the growing number of Indonesian restaurants in Berlin. With authentic Indonesian cuisine, Dapoer Restaurant not only satisfies the longing of the diaspora in Germany with a variety of Indonesian dishes, but is also widely recognized among Germans. "Imagine, Germans now enjoy eating nasi tumpeng (cone-shaped rice), not just fried rice or satay anymore," Emma said.

The Minister of Tourism's visit reflects the synergy between cultural diplomacy and tourism diplomacy as part of Indonesia's promotional strategy in the international market, while also strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Germany.