KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia spotlighted the role of literature and gastronomy in shaping cultural diplomacy through a public talk titled “From Words to Taste.”

The event underscored how storytelling and culinary traditions can strengthen national identity while expanding Indonesia’s cultural influence abroad.

The discussion featured Kamapradipta Isnomo, Senior Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Social, Cultural, and Human Empowerment, who described literature and gastronomy as mirrors of civilization. “Literature reflects history, character, and sociology, while gastronomy reveals the temperament and emotions of a nation,” he said in an official statement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as reported by Antara.

National Library head Prof. E. Aminudin Aziz also highlighted Indonesia’s rich literary heritage, including manuscripts such as Serat Centhini and texts recounting the Diponegoro War, which marks its 200th anniversary this year.

He announced plans to adapt these manuscripts into a 25-volume comic series in collaboration with creators from Bandung Institute of Technology and the comic community.

The Ministry of Culture presented the event through its Directorate General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation. The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader effort to integrate cultural values into diplomacy, reinforcing national identity while promoting Indonesia’s creative economy.

Director General Endah T.D. Retnoastuti emphasized that literature and gastronomy are deeply connected to daily life and represent unique strengths for Indonesia.

She reflected on the ministry’s role in shaping collective views on cultural diplomacy policy, noting that the challenge lies in aligning priorities while ensuring cultural progress benefits local communities.

Endah stressed that cultural advancement must also drive the creative economy and improve the welfare of cultural communities, positioning culture as a true engine for the nation.

“From traditional heritage to contemporary expressions, Indonesian culture is a force of national identity and soft power in facing global competition,” she said. “If the Foreign Ministry is the machine, then culture is the fuel.” Endah expressed hope that the talk would spark synergy and collaboration strategies to strengthen cultural diplomacy through literature and gastronomy. ***