The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy hopes that the culinary industry will become more advanced and recognized on the global stage

SURABAYA – Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) seeks to strengthen the culinary industry ecosystem through the “FoodStartup Indonesia” program. The hope is that the Indonesian culinary industry will become more advanced and better known on the global stage.

This was stated Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo in the Unleashing F&B Potential Contest Roadshow at Artotel TS Suites, Surabaya, Monday (20/5/2024).

According to Angela, MSMEs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy. As much as 61 percent of national GDP is contributed by MSMEs and 97 percent of the workforce is absorbed by MSMEs.

Culinary is also the most popular sub-sector of the creative economy, not only by MSMEs themselves but also tourists.

“So we need to really think about making the ecosystem more mature. It can not only be successful domestically but on the global stage. That is our hope,” said Angela when giving her speech.

Since the presence of FoodStartup Indonesia in 2016, more than 500 MSMEs have benefited from this program. MSME players receive a series of training and mentoring, networking, business negotiations, and open access to financing.

“For FoodStartup Indonesia’s target in 2024, we can fund around USD 16.5 million. I’m sure we can all move up in class. But the main thing is the willingness to innovate and work hard,” said Angela.

In making FoodStartup Indonesia a success, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy together with Wahyoo Ventures collaborated. Wahyoo Ventures has a similar program, namely Sayembarasa.