TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture believes that rendang, a culinary specialty from West Sumatra Province, is deserving of recognition as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage.

“Rendang is an Indonesian dish from West Sumatra that has gained global recognition beyond the Minang region,” said Undri, the Head of the Region III Cultural Preservation Center of the Culture Ministry, in Padang, West Sumatra, on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Undri made these remarks during the handover ceremony of the Ombilin Sawahlunto Coal Mining Heritage (WTBOS) teaching module to the West Sumatra Provincial Education Office.

Rendang, a meat-based dish, has the potential to serve as a cultural diplomacy tool for West Sumatra on the global stage. Moreover, the presence of Minangkabau diaspora communities in various countries further strengthens the global recognition of rendang.

“Today, when people think of Minangkabau, they often associate it with its culinary heritage, especially rendang,” he noted.

In addition, rendang which was recognized as the world's most delicious food by CNN in 2011 also holds great potential to drive economic growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Equally important is the role of rendang as a symbol of West Sumatran identity,” he added.

Currently, the West Sumatra Provincial Government is compiling a comprehensive dossier, including the historical context of rendang, to be submitted to the Ministry of Culture for potential UNESCO nomination. Once the dossier is deemed complete, it will be reviewed by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture before being forwarded to UNESCO.

In 2023, the West Sumatra Provincial Government initiated the process by submitting a preliminary rendang dossier to the then Ministry of Education and Culture. However, the ministry requested additional information to complete the proposal.

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