Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said he is optimistic about opening four thousand Indonesian restaurants abroad by the end of 2023 or early 2024.
"The opening of overseas Indonesian restaurants is aimed at promoting our culture," he informed here on Friday.
The target of opening four thousand Indonesian restaurants abroad is a part of the Indonesia Spice Up the World program, he said.
"The establishment of the restaurants can give added value to Indonesia," the minister remarked.
He assured that his ministry would continue to provide guidance and help domestic entrepreneurs to expand their culinary businesses overseas.
The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has cooperated with related parties, such as various Indonesian representatives abroad, to quickly realize the opening of the restaurants, he said.
Furthermore, the Indonesia Spice Up the World program also aims to increase the export value of Indonesian seasonings and spices to US$2 billion, he added.
Uno noted that the export value of Indonesian spices, such as pepper, ginger, and areca nut, has been increasing.
In addition, the commodity has been developed well through the production of various ready-to-use condiments for a number of well-known Indonesian food items, such as rendang, fried rice, satays, and soups, he said.
"Hopefully, Indonesia can become a world culinary destination soon; thus, foreign tourists will think that there will be added value to visiting Indonesia," the minister added.
Uno has been in Medan city, North Sumatra since February 3, 2022, to attend the Indonesian Chinese Cultural Festival. During his visit, he also met with local creative economy player Michael Djuita, the owner of Kitchenette Brasserie.
The restaurant serves a variety of food and beverages which combine Indonesian and foreign cuisines.
The minister praised and expressed support for Djuita, who opened his restaurant in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that it is not easy to do so in a pandemic situation.