The registration underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding local cultural heritage from external claims while providing legal protection for community-based traditional knowledge.
Head of the Central Sulawesi Regional Office of the Ministry, Rakhmat Renaldy, said that protecting regional culinary traditions holds not only cultural value but also strategic importance in strengthening the local economy through the development of creative economy subsectors.
He emphasized that Uta Dada is more than a dish; it is an identity of the Sigi community that must be preserved and passed down across generations.
Uta Dada is a coconut milk-based dish with a spicy flavor and a distinct aroma from smoked or grilled chicken, typically served with ketupat or burasa. For generations, it has symbolized togetherness and represented the local wisdom of the Sigi people.
The certificate handover took place during the Telusur Rasa – Uta Dada Fest 2025 on September 20.
The festival served as a platform to promote Uta Dada as a regional culinary identity while placing it within the map of 17 creative economy subsectors being actively developed by the government.
In addition to Uta Dada, the ministry also recorded the Copyright of the Performing Arts for the Telusur Rasa – Uta Dada Festival. The performance is regarded as a cultural expression of the Sigi community, rich in philosophical meaning, local wisdom, and a spirit of togetherness.
Renaldy highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration involving local government, communities, academics, and business actors to strengthen the protection of cultural works.
He stressed that cultural wealth gains true value only when protected by law, ensuring its preservation while contributing significantly to the growth of the creative economy.
Indonesian traditional cuisine is a rich cultural heritage that reflects the nation’s identity while carrying deep philosophy and local wisdom. The country has at least 3,259 unique culinary varieties spread across the archipelago.
This sector plays a significant role in the economy by creating jobs, increasing income, and empowering local farmers through the use of regional ingredients. Intellectual Property Rights protection helps safeguard this culinary wealth from misuse, thereby strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity.
Adequate protection also provides opportunities to introduce the uniqueness of Indonesian cuisine to the global stage, which can further enhance its economic potential.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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