PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung has reaffirmed its position as a creative city open to international collaboration. Through Rhythm & Recipes, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) views cultural and culinary festivals not merely as entertainment but as strategic spaces to strengthen cultural diplomacy, develop the creative economy, and open up opportunities for global collaboration.

Bandung Deputy Mayor Erwin stated that in today's global era, cities no longer compete solely on physical development. He believes a city's competitiveness is also determined by its ability to build an ecosystem of creativity, culture, and connectivity among global citizens.

"Bandung has a strong character as a city of education, a creative city, a city for young people, and a city that is open to various global exchanges of ideas," said Erwin while attending the Halal Culture and Product Promotion entitled Rhythm & Recipes Consumer Experience, at Paskal 23, Friday (5/6/2026).

He believes that the presence of Rhythm & Recipes is very relevant because it shows how music, culinary and culture can be a bridge of friendship between nations.

The festival also serves as proof that modern diplomacy does not always occur through official forums but can grow through close cultural interactions with the community.

Furthermore, Erwin highlighted the global phenomenon of K-Pop, which he believes is more than just a matter of music and entertainment popularity. Behind this success lie the values of discipline, creativity, hard work, innovation, and the ability to build a cultural industry as an economic force.

"South Korea has successfully turned popular culture into a soft power force that influences the world. Bandung has the same potential," he said.

According to him, Bandung has significant potential to develop into an international hub for creativity, from an abundance of young talent, an active creative community, a dynamic culinary industry, and a growing innovation ecosystem.

He also noted that Bandung's relationship with South Korea has long been established through various sister city collaborations. This relationship opens up opportunities for cultural exchange, education, technology, tourism, and creative economy development.

Going forward, Erwin hopes that this cooperation will not only take place at the government level, but will also be strengthened through collaboration between communities, the younger generation, and creative industry players.

“Today's strongest diplomacy comes through music, food, art and human-to-human encounters,” he explained.

Furthermore, Erwin assessed that this festival is a very important space for MSMEs and creative economy actors in Bandung City to expand their market and increase their competitiveness to the international level.

He also praised the "K-Halal" concept promoted at the event. He believed it demonstrated that globalization can coexist with local values.

"We can be modern without losing our identity. We can go global without abandoning the values that define our nation," he said.

In front of the young generation present, Erwin advised them not to just be enthusiasts of global trends but to be able to become creators and drivers of change.

"Bandung needs a young generation who dares to dream big, dares to collaborate, and dares to bring this city's name to the world stage," he said.

He hopes that Rhythm & Recipes will not just be a temporary event, but rather the beginning of more international collaborations, cultural exchanges, and opportunities for Bandung's creative actors to develop.

"This event isn't just a ceremonial event; I hope it can foster international collaboration," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)