The Indonesian Food Festival officially opened at Summer Bay Beach Club and Cabins in Preah Sihanouk province on Saturday, offering an array of authentic Indonesian dishes to both locals and tourists.
The festival, which runs from 15 to 19 February in Sihanoukville, was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Indonesia to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, who praised the initiative as a means of strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the rich and diverse flavours of Indonesian cuisine to our Cambodian friends. Sharing food is sharing culture,” Ambassador Santo remarked at the opening ceremony.
The festival features a selection of Indonesia’s most beloved dishes, including betutu duck from Bali and rendang from Padang, alongside traditional appetisers and desserts. To ensure authenticity, the resort’s management enlisted Chef Suyitno Sunaryo from a partner hotel in Jakarta, bringing a touch of home-style Indonesian cooking to Cambodia’s coastal city. Beyond its culinary appeal, the festival holds deeper significance due to Sihanoukville’s growing Indonesian community.
As of 31 December 2024, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training reported over 131,000 Indonesians living and working in Cambodia, with a substantial number residing in Sihanoukville.
Ambassador Santo expressed optimism that the event would not only enhance cultural understanding but also contribute to economic ties between the two nations. Indonesia’s food and beverage sector has seen rapid expansion in Cambodia, reflecting the increasing local appreciation for Indonesian flavours.
“In the past two years, we’ve seen significant growth in Indonesia’s F&B exports, demonstrating Cambodian consumers’ fondness for Indonesian tastes,” the ambassador noted. The festival takes place against the backdrop of booming bilateral trade.
In 2024, trade between Indonesia and Cambodia reached $1.1 billion, marking a sharp rise from $699 million in 2020. This growth underscores the increasing demand for Indonesian products, including food items, which are gradually becoming household names in Cambodia. Events like the Indonesian Food Festival serve as stepping stones for deeper collaboration in trade, tourism, and investment.
More than just a culinary experience, the festival fosters social connections and cultural appreciation, further solidifying the relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia.The festival will continue at Summer Bay Beach Club and Cabins until February 19, allowing visitors to indulge in Indonesia’s diverse and flavourful cuisine while enjoying the scenic Sihanoukville coastline.
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