VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was carried out on June 27-30, 2024. This event involved 23 foreign ministers and aimed at reinforcing international relations.

The Director for Public Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ani Nigeriawati, stated on Saturday (29/6), in Labuan Bajo, that international relations would strengthen and solidify Indonesia's political ties. During the three to four-day event, she emphasized that fellowship and connection between the participating countries will be well-developed.

Ani explained that the event themed "Diplomatic Tour Trail of Spices in East Nusa Tenggara" would accommodate Indonesia's relationship and networking with neighboring countries. This was especially important since participants came from various countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America. Therefore, nearly all regions worldwide were represented by foreign ministers involved in the event.

According to Ani, relationship and networking between countries is a fundamental basis for Indonesia to build political relations and extend economic relations in more regions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to maintaining good diplomacy with neighboring countries. They will also support interconnected fields among countries and Indonesia's national development.

Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promoted the tourism potential of Labuan Bajo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province, to 23 foreign ministers to improve the investment in the region.

The Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Siti Nugraha Mauludiah, stated on Thursday (27/6), in Labuan Bajo, that the region's potential includes investment potential, trading potential, and tourism potential.

Siti explained that the foreign ministers were invited to observe tourism potential in the super-priority tourism destinations at Labuan Bajo, such as Padar Island, Komodo Island, and Pink Beach in the Komodo National Park area. They also came to see investment potential in the integrated tourism area, Parapuar and Golo Mori, Labuan Bajo.

This diplomatic gastronomy event was also aimed at introducing Indonesian cuisine to foreign ministers of neighboring countries and to other foreigners.

Moreover, foreign ministers were also invited to take a look at the region's small and medium enterprises products, such as woven cloth, processed food, and traditional craft, so that they will also be able to be marketed in their respective countries.