en.Sketsamalang.com – The Indonesian Embassy in Baku and Gekrafs Azerbaijan jointly organized the Indonesian Culinary Diplomacy Festival 2026 on October 16, bringing traditional Indonesian cuisine and cultural heritage to an international audience in Azerbaijan’s capital.
According to a report published by Azerbaijan State News Agency AZERTAC on October 17, the festival aimed to promote Indonesia’s national identity, cultural heritage, and creative economy while strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and Azerbaijan through culinary diplomacy.
The event also provided an opportunity for Indonesian diaspora micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Azerbaijan to showcase their culinary products and introduce them to a broader market.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Berlian Helmy, welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligned with the embassy’s mission to advance cultural diplomacy.
“The creative economy and national cuisine play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries,” Helmy stated, as quoted in the original draft.
Indonesian Cuisine at the Center of Cultural Exchange
During the festival, guests explored traditional Indonesian dishes, watched culinary demonstrations, and took part in programs highlighting aspects of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
By combining food presentations with cultural activities, the event offered visitors an opportunity to learn about Indonesia through its culinary traditions. The participation of diaspora-owned businesses also connected cultural promotion with opportunities for Indonesian entrepreneurs operating in Azerbaijan.
Culinary diplomacy provides a way for countries to introduce their traditions and cultural identity to international audiences through shared experiences. In Baku, the festival brought this approach into focus by placing Indonesian cuisine at the center of a cultural gathering.
The collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy and Gekrafs Azerbaijan also highlighted the role of creative-economy initiatives in supporting cultural outreach. For Indonesian diaspora businesses, the event offered a platform to present their products and increase their visibility among potential customers.
The Indonesian Culinary Diplomacy Festival 2026 brought together cultural promotion, culinary demonstrations, and diaspora entrepreneurship in a single event. Through these activities, the organizers sought to encourage greater familiarity with Indonesian culture and strengthen people-to-people connections between Indonesia and Azerbaijan.
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