Liputan6.com, Moscow What the former President of the United States (US), Barack Obama, apparently also liked by Russian citizens. Satay and Nasi Goreng — two Indonesian culinary icons — really became favorites in the Land of the Red Bear, during the 2017 Indonesian Festival at the Hermitage Garden, Moscow, Russia, on 4–6 August 2017.
Indonesian food is increasingly popular and easily accepted by Russian citizens. Evidently, from booth The queue for fried rice and chicken satay at this festival is never empty. Most buyers are Russian citizens.
“Booth Lady’s Club was one of them booth bestseller at the 2nd Indonesian Festival which was held on 4-6 August. Since the first day, the menu has been typical Indonesian food booth “This is a favorite for Russian citizens,” said Deputy for International Tourism Marketing Development, I Gde Pitana, who was accompanied by Assistant Deputy for Market Development for Europe, the Middle East, America and Africa at the Ministry of Tourism, Nia Niscaya, Sunday (6/8/2017).
Events which was initiated by the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Russia, it serves typical Indonesian food such as fried rice, chicken satay, goat satay, fried noodles and stuffed tofu which are much in demand. Mostly Russian citizens came booth I want to try fried rice and chicken satay.
“Not until the afternoon, the food being sold had sold out. In fact, some Russians were still visiting booth “I said this and asked about the fried rice menu,” said I Gde.
Apart from typical Indonesian food menus, several booth others also sell tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and jackfruit, which are rare in Russia. Booth It is also busy with Russian citizens attending this festival.
I Gde said that this activity was aimed at improving brand awareness towards Wonderful Indonesia in Russia.
“Russia is one of Indonesia’s main tourism markets with the contribution of foreign tourists (tourists) increasing significantly with this year’s target of 108,000 people,” he said.
In the January–May 2017 period, 52,189 visits by Russian tourists to Indonesia were recorded. The figure increased by 62.14% when compared to the same period in 2016, namely 32,187 foreign tourists.
“Based on developments in the increasing number of tourists from Russia, tourism promotion efforts need to be carried out continuously,” said I Gde.
The excitement of the 2017 Indonesian Festival can be seen from the large numbers stands. There are at least 40 well-known Indonesian SMEs and restaurants and franchises who are exhibiting their products. Branding Wonderful Indonesia increases with installation banners in the area around the Hermitage Garden and enthusiastic visitors who filled the Indonesian Pavilion.
“With the theme “Visit Wonderful Indonesia: Enjoy Its Diversity”, the Ministry of Tourism places greater emphasis on the potential of regions in Indonesia in the fields of tourism, investment and trade,” said I Gde.
Nia Niscaya added that the Ministry of Tourism is also introducing Indonesia’s priority tourist destinations to visitors through activities that will be carried out at the Indonesian Pavilion, starting from screening the TVC Wonderful Indonesia, tourism information services, quizzes and games to get souvenirs, to the opportunity to get Indonesian coffee by posting photos on social media.
“Apart from that, the Indonesian Pavilion also displays carnivals and art performances from the Malang Flower Carnival. The choice of themes, attractions and performances displayed at the Indonesian Festival this time is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to continue to encourage tourists to know and increase the interest of Russian people in traveling to Indonesia ,” said Nia.
As is known, Indonesia has 17,505 islands with 223 million inhabitants from 491 different ethnicities and tribes, and has 726 different languages.
“Indonesia’s identity is the diversity of destinations ranging from beautiful nature, beautiful beaches, the friendliness of its people, to the uniqueness of diverse cultures into harmony presented in a comfortable atmosphere for tourists,” said Nia.
The Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, gave the thumbs up to the 2017 Indonesian Festival in Russia. According to him, Russia is a country with a per capita income of up to 47,000 US dollars and six weeks of annual leave. The market has great potential for the Indonesian tourism sector.
“This is because the winter in Russia is long, so during winter, they look for coastal tourist areas that are rich in sunlight. Indonesia has it all. Take advantage events This is to tempt Russian tourists to Indonesia. Let them love Indonesian culinary delights first, then love Indonesian destinations. Greetings Wonderful Indonesia,” said Arief.
