Jakarta, April 21 -- The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that gastronomy is a strategic sector in building Indonesia's tourism identity that is distinctive, competitive, and sustainable.

"Gastronomic development cannot be done partially, it must be seen as an integrated system," said Deputy for Resources and Institutions at the ministry, Martini M. Paham, in a press statement here on Tuesday.

She emphasized that gastronomy is not only about food, but also reflects experience, identity, and how a destination is recognized through its taste and stories.

The tourist experience, she said, is often shaped not only by what is seen, but also by what is felt through the food and cultural interactions.

Therefore, culinary experiences have a sig...