G20 COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA TEAM
(Nusa Dua, November 15, 2022) – Indonesia introduced its archipelago food culture through the Food Theater “Kisah Gulu & Friends” and “Archipelago on a Tray” to the 6 accompanying Heads of State or spouses attending the 2022 G20 Summit in Indonesia. Experience Indonesia in 360.
The Spouse Program in the G20 Summit series took place at the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort on Wednesday (November 15, 2022).
The Spouse Program was themed with a look & feel (Exotic, Inspirational, Festive, Elegant, Experience – Sensory World) to provide a WOW effect “The First Time, Once In a Lifetime Experiences, and Unforgettable,” so that the spouses could directly experience the richness of Indonesian culture, including its cuisine.
The dishes served in a gastronomic format, presented as part of a Food Theater, took the senses of the First Lady of Indonesia, Iriana Joko Widodo, and the spouses of the G20 Heads of State on an exotic adventure.
Indonesia introduced its archipelago food culture through the Food Theater “Kisah Gulu & Friends” and the presentation of traditional food “Archipelago on a Tray,” as well as a food garden decoration at the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Tuesday (November 15, 2022). Media Center G20 Indonesia/Zabur Karuru/nym/hd/22.
The room was designed to resemble a theater, with food served alongside multimedia in an intimate atmosphere, where a culinary expert shared the process of sourcing raw ingredients until they became a delicious and healthy dish.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Wamenparekraf/Wakabaparekraf) of Indonesia, Angela Tanoesodibjo, who accompanied the First Lady of Indonesia, Iriana Joko Widodo, and the spouses, stated that through this showcase activity, the spouses were expected to hear the stories of Indonesia’s diverse food culture.
“We hope that the spouses will gain a profound impression of the diversity of Indonesian cuisine and its stories, which will inspire good things for the world,” said Deputy Minister Angela.
The curator and narrator of the Spouse Program, Helianti Hilman, said that the Spouse Program presented a variety of foods from Aceh to Papua, introducing them to the spouses of the Heads of State through an integrated performance that included a stage act to bring characters from a short film to life, with a narrator explaining the dishes.
The short film showcased the menu served, including starters, main courses (a tapas dish with various foods), desserts, and drinks. Each menu represented Indonesia’s ecosystems, such as rainforests, coastal areas, peatlands, and drylands.
“I was given the task of narrating the local food culture of Indonesia in a stage act. So, the spouses of the G20 Heads of State will experience Indonesian dishes on one tray. And we present the ingredients along with the culinary tradition of all the dishes served,” said Helianti.
The Food Theater will introduce the tale of Gulu & Bhituka. Gulu is a young sea eagle looking for the courage to fly. Gulu represents the number twenty. Gulu is played by Gamaliel, a young actor. Bhituka (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) symbolizes the Garuda bird, a helper who assists Gulu in finding his courage.
Helianti explained that the approach taken in introducing Indonesia’s food diversity aims to convey the message that Indonesia offers healthy food ingredients.
“Actually, the approach we take with the ingredients we present also addresses global challenges related to diet, because the world is not in a good state, particularly concerning health issues connected to food. Indonesia’s earth provides healthier food options, including trends related to vegetarianism, which is not new in Indonesia as we already have abundant ingredients,” said Helianti.
The menu served to the spouses of the Heads of State includes Kletikan and welcome drinks. The Kletikan is made from melinjo, which comes from Aceh. There is also gendar made from jewawut from Belitung, fried in coconut oil, and served with two dripping sauces made from kenari nuts and flavored with Papuan vegetable salt.
“There is also a kind of pickle made from lontar fruit, and the drink features kedondong fruit. What’s interesting is that the sweetness comes not from cane sugar but from lontar sap,” said Helianti.
For the appetizer, there is rujak buah (fruit salad) consisting of mango, salak, and Bali orange. For the main course, there are Urap, Sumatra-style duck in stew, Tum Ayam, and Sayur Lodeh. For dessert, Lak-Lak Balinese Pancakes are served with Es Puter Kelapa (coconut ice cream).
“We also have vegetarian options for spouses who are vegetarian. For example, we use coconut flowers in place of chicken. The texture of the coconut flowers resembles that of chicken, and if you prefer duck, it can be substituted with banana heart,” said Helianti.
“We have many vegan alternatives. We’ve made sambal balado, which tastes similar to meat balado, but it’s made from the fermented skin of cempedak fruit, a technique from the Dayak people. We brought this from Kalimantan,” said Helianti.
Each ingredient used in the dishes is also narrated in the menu booklet, so the spouses of the G20 Heads of State can better understand the story presented in the short film and stage act.
About #G20Updates:
Various communication products prepared by the G20 Communication and Media Team. They aim to provide comprehensive information about the preparations and issues related to the G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15-16, 2022.
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