KETIK, JAKARTA — The Indonesian Cultural and Culinary Festival held in Duluth, Georgia, on November 9, 2025, drew hundreds of attendees, including Indonesian residents from across Georgia and local American visitors. The event was organized by the Indonesian Muslim Association of Atlanta (IKMIA) with support from multiple Indonesian community organizations, highlighting the unity and cultural pride of the Indonesian diaspora in the United States.
Throughout the festival, the vibrancy of Nusantara culture took center stage. Visitors enjoyed a broad array of traditional foods, regional dances and music, local small-business products, as well as cultural exhibitions presented by the team from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Houston, Texas.
Indonesia’s Consul General in Houston, Ourina Ritonga, emphasized to the Dutch Consul General the distinctive richness of Indonesian culture compared with other Asian nations, noting that Indonesia comprises hundreds of ethnic groups—each distinguished by its own traditional dances, cuisine, clothing, and customs.
“KJRI Houston is very pleased to present Indonesian culture to the international community. We brought gamelan, wayang golek, kebaya, batik, and various cultural artifacts from Texas,” Ritonga said.
Dutch Consul General Jacob Veerman expressed his deep appreciation for the event, stating that he is familiar with Indonesian culture and found the performances and Nusantara cuisine particularly memorable. Veerman also noted that during his diplomatic post in the Philippines, he frequently visited Indonesia.
Japan’s Deputy Consul General, Miho Kurashima, shared her delight as a first-time attendee of an Indonesian cultural festival.
“I was very impressed, especially during the angklung ensemble performance with the audience,” she said.
Duluth Mayor Commends Indonesian Hospitality
Duluth Mayor Greg Whitlock, attending the Indonesian cultural celebration for the first time, praised the festival for expanding his understanding of Indonesia.
“Indonesian culture is unique and distinct from other Asian cultures. The people are incredibly warm, and the food is outstanding. I even finished all the sambal they served,” he joked, adding that he hopes to visit Indonesia in the future.
Several notable Indonesian community members were also present, including Robert Susanto of the Indonesian Catholic Family (KKI) Atlanta and Hanna Raharjo of The Rock Church.
IKMIA Chairperson Agus Etika shared that the organization, established in 2004 and officially recognized as a religious institution in 2011, remains committed to promoting Indonesian culture across American communities—especially in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
“Last year, we showcased traditional Indonesian clothing and cultural products. This year, we blended traditional and contemporary elements, particularly in our dance performances,” Agus added.
Nusantara Cuisine and Local Entrepreneurs Add Color to the Celebration
Indonesian entrepreneurs enriched the festival atmosphere by offering a variety of signature dishes, including martabak, pastel, lemper ayam, dendeng balado, lodeh, traditional snacks, as well as Nusantara coffee and ginger tea. Vendors also featured batik cloth, Muslim women’s fashion, and various traditional textiles.
Local business owners also contributed to the event’s success, including Astuti Bieri, owner of a flower shop in Woodstock, who prepared floral arrangements that enhanced the venue’s décor.
Additional support came from Rey Wowor Graham, Director of Arts and Entertainment for the Indonesian Association of Florida (IAF), who delivered several musical performances. The Putri Mandalika dance group from Florida also presented a series of regional dances, adding to the festival’s cultural vibrancy. ( KETIK )
