"Now, we are selecting food menus. We will then standardize the taste before we market it overseas," Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi noted in a general lecture, as part of the Diplomacy Festival (DiploFest) held in Padjajaran University, Bandung, on Wednesday.
Marsudi noted that among the original menu that could be promoted is soto, a well-known cuisine served in various styles in different regions of the country.
Soto is always served at every reception held by Indonesian representative offices overseas.
An expert staff of Cabinet Secretariat for legal and international relations, Thanon Aria Dewangga, in his article published last year, remarked that the gastro diplomacy was an initiative launched by Thailand in 2002.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging more people around the world to enjoy Thai culinary. Other examples of gastro diplomacy are kimchi diplomacy of Korea and Malaysian Kitchen project of Malaysia.
The Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) has initiated the program to promote soto and coffee as culinary icons of Indonesia at various events and festivals.
The authority has launched the program of "Unity in Diversoto" to promote the diversity of Indonesian culinary.
"If we sell many types of food, it will not be effective," Marsudi revealed.
Reporting by Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editing by Sri Haryati, Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: ANTARA
Editor: Bustanuddin
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
