THE ROLE OF DIASPORA RESTAURANTS IN INDONESIA’S GASTRODIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF WAJAN IN OREGON, UNITED STATES

Abstract

Gastrodiplomacy has developed as part of public diplomacy by utilizing cuisine as a medium for engaging foreign publics. Indonesia implements this approach through the Indonesia Spice Up The World (ISUTW) policy, which promotes Indonesian cuisine and encourages the expansion of Indonesian restaurants abroad. This article aims to analyze the role of the diaspora restaurant Wajan in Portland, Oregon, as a non-state actor in Indonesia’s gastrodiplomacy and its linkage to the ISUTW policy. This study employs a qualitative approach using secondary data based on document analysis, including academic literature, policy publications, media reports, and documentation from Indonesian overseas representations. The data are analyzed through descriptive qualitative methods to identify patterns of roles, forms of gastrodiplomaticpractices, and their implications for Indonesia’s image. The findings indicate that Wajan contributes to introducing Indonesian cuisine to local audiences through gastronomic experiences, cultural interactions, and participation in activities affiliated with Indonesian diplomatic missions. These practices reflect the role of diaspora restaurants in supporting culinary-based public diplomacy and enhancing Indonesia’s cultural appeal. The study concludes that diaspora restaurants can be understood as part of Indonesia’s gastrodiplomacyecosystem, where state policies and non-state actors interact at the local level.