Rendang was acclaimed as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage from West Sumatra in 2013 by the Ministry of Education and Culture and again ranked 11th position as the world's best food in 2011 and 2021 by CNN Travel.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo is keen that rendang is loved and recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the world.

"Let us cook rendang together and show Indonesia’s culinary treasure to the world. We assure them that rendang deserves to be adored and acknowledged by UNESCO," she stated via a video conference from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Saturday.

The First Lady made the statement during the event "Global Rendang Virtual Cooking" held for honoring rendang as a world cultural heritage from West Sumatra, Indonesia, to be included on UNESCO’s world cultural heritage list.

The event was organized by the West Sumatra provincial government, with support from the Main Base of the Navy II, Dharma Pertiwi, National and Regional Craft Council, Minang Diaspora, Indonesian Food Experts Association, and West Sumatra's National Police's Spouse Association.

Related news: West Sumatra proposes 'rendang' as world heritage to UNESCO

At the event, the First Lady advised the participants to half-cook rendang first, as the step is popularly known as kalio. During the event, the rendang was cooked in a crock on the stove over high heat.

"In 2011, rendang was named the most delicious dish in the list of the world's 50 best dishes by CNN International," Widodo pointed out.

Furthermore, she recalled that rendang was acclaimed as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage from West Sumatra in 2013 by the Ministry of Education and Culture and again ranked 11th as the world's best food in 2011 and 2021 by CNN Travel.

However, the First Lady believes that further achievements can be made, as the national heritage of rendang should to be known worldwide.

"However, it is not sufficient, as we have more to do. Our target is that rendang is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List," she affirmed.

The First Lady is upbeat about rendang being served at many places in the world.

"We want it to be praised and admired by the world. Happy cooking," she emphasized.


Related news: Rendang features in lunch menu for President Jokowi, PM Muhyiddin
Related news: Give iconic rendang a vegan twist

Translator: Desca N, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021