
On Friday, June 14, 2024, the International Relations Bachelor’s Program, through the Public Diplomacy Subject, held the Public Diplomacy Fair 2024. Located at the FISIP UNPAR, the event served as a cultural meeting point between Indonesia and Peru through an unexpected yet highly effective medium: food.
The Dean of FISIP UNPAR, Dr. Orpha Jane, opened the event with a speech emphasizing the importance of food as a universal language that unites diverse cultures.
“Even in Indonesia, we are very diverse. Today, in this special event, we gather to utilize this powerful diplomatic tool, gastrodiplomacy, to foster mutual understanding and appreciation through our cultural heritage between Indonesia and Peru,” Dr. Orpha stated.
The Peruvian Ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Luis Raūl Tsuboyama Galvān, also delivered remarks reinforcing this message. “As Dr. Orpha mentioned, food is a bridge that connects many people. Today, the Peruvian Embassy in Indonesia has brought chefs from Peru. We are very fortunate to be at UNPAR and introduce traditional Peruvian dishes, ceviche and causa,” said Ambassador Luis Raūl Tsuboyama Galvān.
One of the main highlights of the event was a cooking demonstration of Peruvian cuisine by chefs from Peru. They showcased how to make ceviche and causa, two signature Peruvian dishes, to the participants. This demonstration attracted many enthusiastic visitors eager to taste the results.
The event was also enlivened with various artistic performances and entertainment from students, such as traditional dances and band performances. Additionally, there were booths from various groups offering samples while displaying information about traditional Indonesian foods from different regions. From “Roti Buaya” Jakarta’s traditional food to papeda with yellow fish broth Papua’s traditional food, this exhibition enriched visitors’ knowledge about the nation’s culinary wealth.
The Public Diplomacy Fair 2024 successfully created a harmonious and interactive atmosphere, where participants not only enjoyed delicious dishes but also learned more about each other’s cultures. This event demonstrated that gastrodiplomacy can be an effective tool for strengthening international relations. With the success of this event, it is hoped that the relationship between Indonesia and Peru will grow closer, and cooperation in various fields can continue to be enhanced in the future.
Source: UNPAR