Premium Biz Post – In 2025, Indonesia takes a bold step to promote its rich culinary heritage through the Wonderful Indonesia event. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, this program highlights the nation’s food diversity and cultural identity. The goal is clear — to bring Indonesia’s flavors to the global stage and boost culinary tourism worldwide.
The theme, “Taste the Diversity, Experience Indonesia,” captures the spirit of the event. WIG 2025 combines food, travel, and creativity in one celebration. It introduces Indonesia not only as a travel destination but also as a global culinary powerhouse.
A Global Culinary Showcase
WIG 2025 takes place in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. The event features hundreds of food exhibitors, restaurants, and local culinary startups. Visitors enjoy cooking demos, chef collaborations, and food-tasting sessions from 38 provinces.
One key highlight is the launch of the Indonesia Gourmet Guide. This book serves as a culinary map for both local and international travelers. It features top restaurants, iconic dishes, and food stories from across the archipelago. The guide emphasizes sustainability, local sourcing, and cultural heritage in every dish.
Through this event, Indonesia positions itself as a leading culinary destination. According to the Ministry of Tourism, culinary tourism now contributes around 30% of total tourism revenue. This reflects how food has become one of Indonesia’s strongest cultural ambassadors.
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Empowering Local Culinary Entrepreneurs
WIG 2025 is more than a celebration. It is a platform to empower small food businesses and local chefs. The event connects them with international buyers, investors, and critics. These collaborations help open new export markets and investment opportunities.
At the Gourmet Business Forum, entrepreneurs discuss product innovation, packaging, and sustainability. Many local producers also present native ingredients and cooking traditions to global audiences. By doing so, they highlight the diversity of Indonesian cuisine — from spicy dishes in Sumatra to coconut-based recipes in Maluku.
The event supports the government’s vision for a sustainable creative economy. It gives equal opportunities to local communities, including those from remote regions like Papua and Kalimantan. WIG 2025 proves that Indonesia’s food story goes beyond Java and Bali — it is a story of unity through taste.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is one of the main pillars of WIG 2025. The event promotes eco-friendly practices, such as farm-to-table systems and waste reduction. Many participants showcase organic farming, zero-waste kitchens, and biodegradable packaging.
Workshops on sustainable gastronomy teach how to cook with less waste and energy. The government collaborates with global organizations like the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Slow Food International. Together, they ensure that WIG 2025 aligns with global sustainability standards.
Visitors are also encouraged to reduce plastic use during the festival. Local communities handle waste management directly, ensuring the event leaves minimal environmental impact. The result is a culinary event that not only celebrates flavor but also cares for the planet.
Culinary Tourism as a Cultural Bridge
Food is a bridge between cultures. Every Indonesian dish tells a story about history, migration, and local wisdom. WIG 2025 uses these stories to show how food connects people around the world.
From Sumatra’s rendang and Java’s gudeg to Bali’s lawar and Sulawesi’s coto makassar, every dish reflects identity and tradition. Visitors don’t just taste the food — they experience the culture behind it. Traditional performances, films, and storytelling sessions add a cultural layer to the event.
The program also includes Culinary Journey Tours, where tourists can join cooking classes in local villages. They harvest ingredients, learn recipes, and cook alongside locals. These tours promote authentic and community-based tourism, a growing trend among international travelers.
Digital Innovation and Global Reach
WIG 2025 uses digital tools to attract global audiences. The event features augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. Users can virtually explore Indonesian markets or join online cooking sessions.
The campaign hashtag #TasteIndonesia2025 trends across social media platforms, inspiring people to share their food adventures. A dedicated WIG mobile app helps visitors navigate the event, discover restaurants, and receive real-time updates.
This digital transformation reflects Indonesia’s commitment to “Tourism 5.0” — a concept that blends creativity, technology, and inclusivity. By combining digital storytelling with cultural promotion, Indonesia sets a new model for global culinary tourism.
Economic Impact and Global Recognition
WIG 2025 receives strong international recognition. Global media outlets, including Lonely Planet and the Michelin Guide, praise the event for its innovative concept. Culinary experts call it a turning point for Southeast Asia’s gastronomy scene.
The Ministry of Tourism estimates that WIG 2025 could generate more than USD 150 million in direct and indirect economic impact. This includes revenue from tourism, partnerships, and product exports.
More importantly, the event boosts national pride. It reminds Indonesians that their culinary traditions are worth celebrating and preserving. Local governments are now encouraged to develop regional food festivals and culinary routes to sustain this momentum.
Toward the Future
WIG 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for Indonesian culinary tourism. Plans are already in place for WIG 2026, which will include international chef residencies, food innovation labs, and youth cooking competitions.
The government also plans to integrate culinary education into tourism programs. This ensures that the next generation of Indonesians can promote their heritage while adapting to global trends.
Through WIG 2025, Indonesia shows that food is more than a meal — it is culture, identity, and diplomacy on a plate. As travelers around the world seek authentic and meaningful experiences, Indonesia stands ready to welcome them with open arms and unforgettable flavors.
