Antara News·Indonesia·Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 06:58 AM

WIG 2026 brings Indonesian gastronomy to global stage

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Farika Nur Khotimah, Katriana

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana officially opened Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy (WIG) 2026 at Mangkunegaran Palace in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday (September 26).

The event is aimed at strengthening the position of Indonesian gastronomy as a tourism attraction and introducing the country's diverse local culinary heritage to the international stage.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said WIG 2026 marks the second year of the event, carrying the theme "From Local Roots to Global Recognition" and placing Solo and Yogyakarta at the center of the series of activities.

"Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy is a message that we want to continue bringing to the world: that Indonesia's rich gastronomy stems from traditions, communities, and local identities, and then grows to gain international recognition," the minister said in a press statement received here on Sunday.

She explained that Solo and Yogyakarta were chosen because of their strength as centers of Javanese culture, including palace traditions, markets, food stalls, handicrafts, and the development of contemporary cuisine.

The minister said Indonesian gastronomy is not only about the flavors of food, but also the stories, history, people, traditions, and places that shape the tourism experience.

The main WIG 2026 program will take place from September 26 to October 4, 2026, in Solo and Yogyakarta.

The activities include WIG Talks and Forum, Artisan Market, Culinary Festival, Indonesia Restaurant Months, and collaborations among chefs.

The Ministry of Tourism has also invited 18 media representatives and tastemakers, including 13 international participants from media outlets and gastronomy organizations such as Forbes Travel Guide, La Liste, The World's 50 Best, and CNN International.

WIG 2026 is being held amid growing international recognition of Indonesian gastronomy.

Indonesia received the New Destination Champion Award 2026 from La Liste. Meanwhile, two Indonesian restaurants, August and Locavore NXT, improved their positions on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list.

Widiyanti said the government wants such recognition to open opportunities for new markets, partnerships, investment, and tourist visits while generating economic benefits for communities in the regions where the gastronomic traditions originated.

"We want to make gastronomy a reason to travel, turn recognition into opportunities, and ensure that when Indonesian gastronomy reaches the world, the benefits return to the communities and places where it all began," the minister said.

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