H.E. Benedetto Latteri - the Ambassador of Italy to Indonesia on Promoting Italian Food and Cuisine


 

The annual “Italian Cuisine Week in the World” celebrates the depth and diversity of Italy’s culinary heritage, a legacy that resonates far beyond its borders. This week offers a unique opportunity to not only share Italy’s renowned flavours but also to introduce Indonesian audiences to the core traditions that shape Italian cuisine.

Launched in 2016, the inaugural edition of The Week marked a tribute to the roots of Italian tradition, drawing inspiration from the bicentenary of Pellegrino Artusi—the father of Italian home cooking. Since then, Italian Cuisine Week has aimed to emphasize the rich diversity of Italy’s culinary regions and the sustainability of its food supply chain, fundamental aspects of the Mediterranean Diet, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This year’s theme, “Mediterranean Diet and Roots Cuisine: Health and Tradition,” highlights two essential aspects of Italian food: its health benefits and its grounding in time-honoured regional traditions. In this sense, Italian Cuisine Week serves as a bridge, fostering mutual appreciation between Italy and Indonesia for both the culinary arts and the cultural values that underpin each nation’s traditions.

Over the years, Indonesian interest in Italian food has grown remarkably, with Italian restaurants, food products and culinary experiences becoming staples not only in Jakarta but across various Indonesian cities. Italian cuisine resonates with Indonesian diners as it reflects their values surrounding food and family. Celebrated for its quality ingredients, simplicity, and regional diversity, Italian cuisine offers Indonesians a true taste of Italy’s cultural richness. My vision is for Italian cuisine to become a foundational part of Indonesia’s F&B sector, inspiring healthier lifestyles and deepening cultural exchange.

The Mediterranean Diet, recognized globally to be beneficial for health, represents far more than a list of ingredients; it’s a lifestyle rooted in balance, quality, and community. With an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins, this diet promotes well-being and environmental sustainability. In a world increasingly focused on health-conscious living, the Mediterranean Diet aligns perfectly with current trends, making it particularly relevant for Indonesia’s growing healthconscious population.

The theme of “roots cuisine” speaks to Italy’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its regional diversity. Italian food is unique in its deep ties to local traditions, which vary from region to region, offering a culinary journey through Italy’s history, geography, and cultural heritage. Each recipe tells a story of place, family, and legacy, values that Indonesians equally treasure in their own food culture. Italian Cuisine Week, therefore, invites Indonesians to experience Italian food not only as a meal but as an expression of heritage, discovering regional specialties and learning the histories behind classic dishes.

The Italian Food & Beverage sector sees Indonesia as a dynamic and receptive market. Looking to the future, I envision Italian F&B expanding beyond restaurants, with Italian products more accessible in Indonesian supermarkets, empowering home cooks to create Italianinspired dishes from the comfort of their own kitchens.

While the Italian F&B sector holds great promise in Indonesia, there are challenges. By addressing these barriers, our hope is to make Italian food an attainable, enjoyable experience for all Indonesians.

For this year’s edition, the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the Italian Trade Agency have organized a rich calendar of events in collaboration with SMEG, Italian chefs and restaurants, and food distributors. Highlights include a Gala Dinner and regional gastronomic itineraries at leading Italian restaurants across Indonesia, each featuring distinctive Italian cuisines with regional recipes

La IX Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo – Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Jakarta

 

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