Culinary Diaspora: An Anchor for Indonesian Gastrodiplomacy in the Netherlands

Abstract

Many Indonesian diasporas in the Netherlands have established culinary businesses for both economic purposes and out of a sense of nostalgia for their home country by emphasising Indonesian food authenticity and the richness of spices in their new home. The Netherlands, with its strong historical links with Indonesia, plays a pivotal role in Indonesian gastrodiplomacy. However, the Indonesian government has not yet paid attention to the importance of harnessing the existence of diasporas and targeting the Netherlands as a strategic country of implementation in the context of strengthening Indonesian gastrodiplomacy. This article suggests that Indonesian diasporas, through representation in restaurants, could be a ‘frontline messenger’ in introducing Indonesian foods to the Netherlands and be the anchor of gastrodiplomacy. While Indonesia is now strategising gastrodiplomacy, diasporas are of the utmost importance in winning the hearts and minds of the public.