Gastronomy Plays Pivotal Role in Developing Local Economies

FGD with theme “Gastronomy Role in Strengthening National Economy” held in Jakarta, Friday (1/11). (Photo: Agung/PR)

Gastronomy plays a significant role in developing micro, small and medium enterprises, Deputy for the Economy of Cabinet Secretariat Satya Bhakti Parikesit has said.

During a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held in Jakarta on Saturday (1/11), Satya said that the committee of Indonesian Gastronomy Association (IGA) should help interpret and write stories behind each food to attract tourists’ interest.

Moreover, he added that the committee should also have a pilot project by choosing certain local food to be introduced to the global market.

“Choose a specific food, tell its origin, and brand it as our national food,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretariat, he added, will guide the process from branding strategy, setting standard, packaging, and others. He said will also help convey the idea to Ministry of Cooperative, Small and Medium Enterprises so that they can further develop it.

“Gastronomy is expected to provide added value for economic development,” Bhakti said, while expressing hope that the forum will continue until it can produce concrete results.

“Because gastronomy has a great potential in improving human resources as well as MSMEs. The goal is to boost economic growth,” he continued.

He went on to say that the committee needs to work hard to achieve the target; however it can be achieved as long as everyone is in the same page.

Previously, Cabinet Secretariat had held an Indonesia Gastronomy National Seminar in October 2018 as a form of cooperation between Cabinet Secretariat and Indonesian Gastronomy Association (IGA).

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti

Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas