Indonesian food and generosity win hearts

Islamabad, 22 September 2022 (TDI):  The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia hosted the “Indonesian Culinary, Cooking Demo,” where the east met the west, and the aromatic food was presented to reflect Pakistan-Indonesia deep ties.

Internationally profiled Indonesian Chef Budiono showcased the live cooking the traditional Indonesian food using spices from both Pakistan and Indonesia.

The event was also organized to raise funds to support the flood affectees in Pakistan. The Embassy staff and the Indonesia diaspora living in Pakistan collected donations and handed them over to the Head of the Pakistan Red Crescent.

While speaking on occasion, Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Adam Tugio said that the embassy had organized the event in line with Indonesia’s ongoing global events and campaign “Indonesia Spice Up the World (ISUTW)” where Indonesia wants to promote the local species at the global stage to boost the trade outreach.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Adam Tugio said that there is no more sincere love than the love of food. He said that the love of food is universal, generates friendships, and promotes culture.

While highlighting the significance of the concepts of spices in Food, he said that the global popularity of flavorful spices travels together with food’s unique aroma and health benefits.

Ambassador said millennials are picky and only follow the organic and health benefits. He said that with the popularity of the “Go Organic and Eat Healthy” trends and the appearances of multiple food channels, the outreach of the international food chains and food conscious are increasing.

While highlighting the similarities between Pakistan and Indonesia, Ambassador said that both countries share the same cuisine and spices. Ambassador said that Pakistan has Pasanday – Indonesia has rendang, Pakistan has chicken tikka – Indonesia has Chicken Satay, Pakistani has pakora – Indonesia has bakwan.

Interestingly, many spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and pepper used in the famous Pakistani Garam Masala, a combination of 11 spices, also come from the Heartland of Spices, Indonesia.

At the ceremony, the Director of the Wahid Group Fahad Wahid spoke on occasion and said that the companies highlighted the strong business and trade relationship between Pakistan and Indonesia and the role of the Wahid Group over the years.

During the ceremony, the Director of the Pakistan Red Crescent spoke on occasion and explained in-depth the current situation of flood and relief efforts. He said that at this time government of Pakistan and other organizations are working to provide shelter to millions of homeless people. The second phase is about health; rehabilitation efforts will be made later.

The cheque amount of 1.2 million PKR was donated and handed over to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. Later the Chef did the live cooking, and guests enjoyed the hospitality and supported the generosity of the Indonesian Embassy and the diaspora living in Pakistan.