Indonesia’s culinary heritage continues to gain international attention with the return of Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy (WIG) 2026. This year’s programme places food at the centre of cultural storytelling, showing how recipes, traditions and local wisdom connect communities across the archipelago. Solo and Yogyakarta will host the main events from late September to early October, while other cities such as Jakarta, Bali, Semarang and Surabaya will feature supporting activities.

Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 Programme

The opening ceremony at Pura Mangkunegaran in Solo on 26 September marks the beginning of a series of events under the theme “From Local Roots to Global Recognition.” The programme explores Indonesian gastronomy in a broad sense, not only through fine dining but also by tracing dishes back to their origins, examining philosophies behind food, and presenting them in contemporary ways.

Two publications will be launched: the Indonesia Gourmet Guide, highlighting selected restaurants, and Indonesia Local Eateries, which captures everyday dining culture through traditional eateries, markets and culinary centres.

International and local media representatives will join curated journeys through Solo and Yogyakarta, with experiences ranging from a morning at Pasar Gede and a walk through Kampung Laweyan’s batik heritage, to a sensory exploration at Rumah Atsiri and a royal-inspired afternoon tea with GKR Bendara. Visits to Borobudur and Prambanan Temples will add historical depth to the culinary exploration.

The programme also introduces WIG Talks, a seminar series with 22 speakers across five sessions, discussing the future of Indonesian gastronomy and its role in the food and beverage industry. From 2–4 October, the Artisan Market at Grand Hotel De Djokja in Yogyakarta will showcase local products such as cheeses, honey and tea, alongside workshops and tastings.

October will feature the Chef Collaboration series, where Indonesian and international chefs create special menus with hotels and restaurants. Collaborations will take place in Jakarta, Bali and Yogyakarta, including The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, Fairmont Jakarta, Park Hyatt Jakarta, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, ROSO at The Meru Bali, and ROSO at Grand Hotel De Djokja.

The Collaboration

This year’s programme also highlights international partnerships. A key collaboration is with the French Embassy and Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI) through Rendez-Vous Rasa: France–Indonesia Gastronomy Week 2026. The partnership includes a Six-Hands Dinner at Pura Mangkunegaran on 26 September, featuring Indonesian chefs Degan Septoadji and Wayan Ari Wibowo alongside French chef Stéphane Carrade. French representatives will also join WIG Talks and lead cooking workshops at the Bali and Medan Tourism Polytechnics.

Another collaboration involves the Indonesian Shopping Centre Management Association (APPBI), which will host a Culinary Festival from 7 October to 1 November across 32 shopping centres in 14 cities. In addition, Indonesia Restaurant Months, running from 7 October to 31 December in partnership with Priceless by Mastercard, will feature 150 curated restaurants across Jakarta, Bali, Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Solo.

Together, these collaborations show how gastronomy can serve as a platform for cultural exchange, creativity and dialogue—bringing Indonesia’s culinary heritage into conversation with the wider world.