Indonesia Advances Cultural Diplomacy Through Literature and Gastronomy

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is reinforcing its cultural diplomacy by leveraging literature and gastronomy as key sources of soft power, officials said during a talk show in Jakarta that highlighted the role of words and cuisine in projecting national identity on the global stage.

The event, titled “Dari Kata ke Rasa” (From Words to Taste), was held on Tuesday to emphasize the strategic importance of literary works and culinary traditions in supporting Indonesia’s diplomatic outreach. The Ministry of Culture announced the initiative in a statement released on Wednesday.

Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture, Endah Retnoastuti, said Indonesia’s traditional and contemporary cultural expressions have become increasingly significant markers of national identity amid growing global competition.

“Literature and gastronomy are unique sources of Indonesia’s soft power because they are deeply rooted in society,” Retnoastuti said, noting that the Ministry of Culture plays a vital role in supporting the country’s broader diplomatic efforts led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She added that since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture last year, the government has begun formulating a more integrated and cohesive approach to cultural diplomacy and related programs.

Retnoastuti stressed that cultural promotion must be aligned with efforts to improve the welfare of cultural communities, particularly through the development of the creative economy.

“Only then can culture truly become an engine of national progress,” she said, expressing hope that the talk show would encourage stronger cross-sector collaboration to maximize Indonesia’s literary heritage and rich culinary traditions as diplomatic tools.

Echoing this view, Kamapradipta Isnomo, advisor to the foreign minister on socio-cultural affairs and human empowerment, said literature and gastronomy hold strong potential to communicate Indonesia’s values and historical narratives to the international community.

“Literature reflects a nation’s history, character and social life, while gastronomy conveys its emotional essence,” Isnomo said, highlighting Indonesia’s extensive collection of ancient manuscripts as an underutilized cultural asset.

Meanwhile, Head of the National Library E. Aminudin Aziz said the institution plans to adapt ancient manuscripts into 25 comic books in collaboration with the public, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and popularize Indonesia’s literary heritage among younger generations.