PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, revealed that the 2025 West Java Culinary Festival with the theme Sono Ku Rasa, Sono Ku Nikmat is a special event for people who miss the legendary culinary delights from 27 regencies/cities in West Java.

"This Culinary Festival is here to satisfy the longing for legendary West Javanese foods. Here, people can enjoy various authentic culinary delights from every region in West Java," said Bey Machmudin after opening the event at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Friday (1/31/2025).

Furthermore, Bey explained that the main advantage of the West Java Culinary Festival is that it presents legendary foods from all regions in one place.

"All the typical foods from 27 districts/cities are present here, presenting the authentic taste of their respective regions. This is an opportunity for the public to reminisce," he said.

Culinary as a Driver of Economy and Tourism

Bey Machmudin emphasized that the West Java Culinary Festival is not just an event to preserve traditional culinary, but also plays a role as a strategy in regional economic development.

"From upstream to downstream, the culinary sector is able to drive various other industries. Everyone benefits from the culinary sector's growth," he said.

Bey also highlighted the importance of gastronomy as a tourist attraction. According to him, gastronomy can be a magnet for tourists, both domestic and international.

"I believe that through strengthening gastronomy tourism , West Java's local cuisine will be increasingly well-known. This is an important step to introduce West Java to the world stage," he said.

In addition, this event also has a direct impact on the surrounding economy. The presence of tourists who come to enjoy the special dishes will contribute to other sectors such as hospitality and the fashion industry.

"Tourists do not only come to enjoy culinary delights, but also to shop and stay at hotels around. This has a very positive economic impact on West Java," said Bey.

Mission to Bring West Javanese Cuisine to the International Stage

On that occasion, Bey Machmudin also invited the West Java Provincial Tourism and Culture Office to explore opportunities to open Sundanese restaurants abroad.

"I have discussed with the Head of the Department of Tourism and Culture, whether it is possible to open a typical West Java restaurant abroad. This certainly requires synergy from various parties, but I am sure the potential is very large," said Bey.

In addition to opening restaurants, Bey also encourages innovation in the form of packaging for typical West Javanese food so that it can be exported as souvenirs for the Indonesian diaspora abroad.

"Packaged fried seblak has started to enter overseas and become a favorite. This is one way to satisfy the longing of the diaspora for local food," he said.

Spectacular Culinary and Entertainment Variety

The 2025 West Java Culinary Festival will be held in the Gedung Sate Area, Bandung City, from January 31 to February 1, 2025. This event will present a variety of authentic and appetizing West Javanese culinary delights.

Not only about food, this event is also enlivened by the appearance of famous artists, such as Ade Astrid Gerengseng Team, Club Dangdut Racun, Reza Smash, and other guest stars who are ready to entertain visitors.

With the spirit of preserving traditional culinary and introducing it to the international scene, the 2025 West Java Culinary Festival is expected to be an important moment in the development of the regional culinary and tourism sector.