Indonesia's Tourism Ministry Launches Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 in Solo

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism officially opened Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy (WIG) 2026 at Mangkunegaran Palace in Solo, Central Java, on September 26, 2026. Now in its second year, the flagship program carries the theme "From Local Roots to Global Recognition," with Solo and Yogyakarta serving as the main hubs through October 4.

Unlike last year, which began in Jakarta and Bali as international gateways, this year's edition shifts focus to the heart of Javanese culture. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the initiative aims to explore the roots of Indonesian culinary traditions that live alongside local communities, growing them toward international recognition.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mangkunegaran royal family member Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkoenagoro X, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, the Mayor of Surakarta, and international media including Forbes Travel Guide, La Liste, and CNN International, alongside prominent chefs.

The momentum follows Indonesia's culinary achievements, including the New Destination Champion Award 2026 from La Liste and rising rankings for Indonesian restaurants such as August and Locavore NXT in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The event also marks deeper cooperation with France through Rendez-Vous Rasa: France–Indonesia Gastronomy Week 2026, highlighted by a collaborative dinner featuring Indonesian chefs and a two-Michelin-starred French chef.

For visitors, the ministry launched two practical guides: the Indonesia Gourmet Guide, featuring 150 curated contemporary restaurants, and the Indonesia Local Eateries Guide, covering 150 legendary local eateries nationwide. The program will expand to other cities through WIG Talks and Forums, an Artisan Market, a Culinary Festival across 32 malls in 14 cities, and Indonesia Restaurant Months at 150 restaurants in partnership with Mastercard, with future plans to extend to regions like West Sumatra.