The Indonesian government is setting its sights on culinary exports reaching USD 2 billion by distributing 4,000 Indonesian culinary businesses globally by 2024. Helson Siagian, an Expert Staff member at the Office of the President, stated that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) has prepared a funding, training, and mentoring scheme for Indonesian culinary entrepreneurs abroad through the Indonesian Restaurant Fundraising program (IndoStar). "This program provides opportunities for culinary entrepreneurs to advance their businesses and attract potential investors. Consequently, Indonesian culinary businesses abroad will become more massive," Helson said on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Indonesian Restaurant Fundraising (IndoStar) is a part of the Indonesia Spice Up The World (ISUTW) program, a government initiative to promote Indonesian cuisine and elevate local Indonesian spice and seasoning products. Helson mentioned that the ISUTW program has four pillars. First, it focuses on exporting spices, seasonings, and processed foods. Second, it involves activating Indonesian restaurants abroad. Third, it promotes Indonesian cuisine internationally. Fourth, it positions Indonesia as a gastronomic destination.
Furthermore, Helson noted that the IndoStar program, which is part of ISUTW, has received a positive response from Indonesian culinary entrepreneurs overseas. Currently, there are 50 IndoStar participants spread across five continents, with 14 participants in Asia, 12 in Europe, 11 in the Americas, 10 in Australia, and 3 in Africa. Helson, an Expert Staff member in the field of tourism at the Office of the President, believes that the opportunities for culinary entrepreneurs to strengthen the Indonesian culinary showcase abroad are still significant. Moreover, he added that the target market is no longer just Indonesians but also local residents abroad who appreciate the taste of Indonesia. "From the eight restaurants that pitched, their target market is primarily local, not Indonesian. This demonstrates that Indonesian cuisine is ready to go global," Helson stated.
