TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in The Hague or Den Haag held the Pekan Rempah Indonesia (Indonesia Spice Week) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The event is part of a series of activities celebrating Indonesian cultural and culinary heritage held for a week from October 6 to 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Negeri Rempah Foundation.

According to a statement from KBRI The Hague, the event began with the launch of the Lasem Batik Exhibition on September 29, 2024. The exhibition showcased the unique art of Lasem Batik closely related to Indonesia's coastal areas, where the spice trade flourished rapidly.

The Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mayerfas, praised the event. He mentioned that the Indonesia Spice Week was an opportunity and a platform to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and culinary legacy to the Dutch citizens and the international community.

"This event not only celebrates Indonesia's spice heritage but also strengthens the cultural ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands," said Mayerfas in a statement from KBRI The Hague on Sunday, 13 October 2024.

KBRI The Hague also mentioned that the Indonesia House Amsterdam (IHA), inaugurated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi on September 17, served as the venue for the Spice Route Exhibition and Spice Market Fair.

The exhibition aimed to immerse visitors in the richness of spice aromas and flavors through sensory experiences and games that revitalize Indonesia's spice heritage.

On the other hand, the Spice Market Fair showcased products from Indonesian SMEs such as various packaged spices and essential oils, eco-friendly spice crafts, as well as ready-to-eat food and beverage products, such as Andaliman cheese and instant red ginger.

The event also featured performances by dance and theatre maestro, Elly Luthan and Gamelan Guru Waluyo Sastrosukarno, who presented a performance titled 'Kalijaga' at the University of Amsterdam Theater.

Waluyo also conducted a gamelan workshop at the Amsterdam Conservatorium on October 9, captivating the interest of local residents who eagerly scheduled the next workshop sessions.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Investment of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Rizki Handayani, opened and delivered a lecture at the Indonesia Spice Up the World Seminar on October 10. Many visitors attended to witness cooking demonstrations by the team from the Indonesian Culinary Academy presenting yellow rice and sauted skipjack tuna.

Furthermore, KBRI The Hague revealed that one of the main programs of Indonesia Spice Week was the Academic Forum held at the Bushuis University of Amsterdam-a historic building complex that used to be the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

The forum brought together academics, students, and experts for a discourse on the significance of Indonesian spices in world history, particularly how the spice trade shaped global interactions and cultural exchanges.

The forum began with a keynote lecture by Former Indonesian Foreign Minister (2001-2009) Hassan Wirajuda, who also serves as the Chairman of the Negeri Rempah Foundation.

The series of events concluded on Saturday, October 12, 2024, with the highlight of the Negeri Rempah Feast at the Jakarta Amsterdam Hotel. This program reenacted the Javanese wedding tradition where guests were asked to pass on each dish served, symbolizing the spirit of sharing and togetherness.

SAVERO ARISTIA WIENANTO

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