Harsya highlighted the promising outlook for the culinary and hospitality sectors across Asian markets and among Indonesian diaspora communities worldwide.
"Consumer preferences are quite similar in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, allowing us to enter those markets. Secondly, we can also expand into countries with large Indonesian diaspora communities, who can become our ambassadors in promoting our products," Harsya told reporters here on Tuesday.
He emphasized that accelerating exports of various local brands must go hand in hand with mentorship.
This, he said, would help businesses can navigate international markets effectively by understanding regulations in destination countries, securing financing, fulfilling licensing requirements, and elevating product quality to match target market standards.
Through the FHI 2026 platform, the government aims not only to attract foreign investment but also to help various local businesses maintain high quality standards amidst industry growth.
Harsya added that FHI serves as a bridge, connecting local restaurant, café, and hotel brands with the broader business ecosystem across both B2B and B2C channels.
At FHI 2026, held at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta from July 21-24, 2026, the Creative Economy Ministry is also hosting four culinary brands under its Indonesian Creative Export Acceleration (ASIK) program.
Among the ministry-supported exhibitors at FHI 2026 is El's Coffee. Zulfadli, Head of Marketing and Operations at PT Sari Alami El's Coffee Group, said that his company is targeting the Chinese market.
"We are quite satisfied to be able to meet their needs. Previously, they sourced coffee from Vietnam and Malaysia, but now they use Robusta coffee from Lampung exclusively," Zulfadli said.
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Translator: Fitra, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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