58% of Foreign Tourists Visit Indonesia for Culinary Experiences, Tourism Ministry Pushes Gastronomy Program
Indonesia's Tourism Ministry reports that 58.34% of foreign tourists who visited the country in 2025 engaged in culinary or gastronomy-related activities. The ministry will hold the 'Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026' program in Solo and Yogyakarta from late September to early October, aiming to boost recognition of local food culture, including regional cuisines relevant to travelers across Indonesia, including Bali.
Indonesia's Tourism Ministry announced at a 2026 press conference, citing data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), that 58.34% of foreign tourists who visited the country in 2025 took part in culinary or gastronomy-related activities. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana noted that Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands, has developed a diverse culinary identity shaped by local traditions, agricultural produce, and centuries of cultural evolution, calling gastronomy one of the country's greatest tourism assets.
The ministry, in partnership with the Indonesia Gastronomy Network (IGN), will run the 'Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy (WIG) 2026' program under the theme 'From Local Roots to Global Recognition.' The main events will take place in Solo and Yogyakarta from September 26 to October 4, focusing on the origins of ingredients and dishes, local wisdom, and food philosophy, translating this heritage into modern gastronomic experiences.
Deputy Minister for Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini said food tourism not only attracts foreign visitors but also directly benefits micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). The ministry is collaborating with the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) to hold culinary festivals in food courts across shopping malls, encouraging visitors to spend more on local cuisine.
IGN Chairperson Vita Datau observed that tourists' culinary preferences are becoming more individualized, with Gen Z and millennial travelers actively sharing Indonesia's unique regional dishes on social media. She urged the ministry to support local food businesses in improving quality so cuisine can become a stronger tourist attraction.
Foreign tourist arrivals reached 8.98 million between January and July 2026, with the ministry targeting 16 to 17 million visitors for the year. For travelers to Bali, this growing emphasis on local and regional cuisine may shape how visitors engage with food culture and local businesses during their stay.
Things to Consider
When visiting Bali, consider exploring local warungs and traditional markets in addition to well-known restaurants for a richer culinary experience. Researching trending local food spots on social media beforehand can help you find quality options while avoiding overcrowded venues. If you have food allergies or spice preferences, clearly communicate them in Indonesian or English when ordering.
Source: ANTARA News Bali