Indonesia Hosts Malay Food Festival in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Promoting Malay Cuisine, Boosting Tourism Growth and Supporting Local Businesses

Published on December 1, 2025

Organized by the Riau Islands Provincial Government, the 2025 Malay Food Festival in Tanjungpinang, Indonesia, is fast becoming a significant event in the region’s tourism calendar. It showcases traditional Malay cuisine, local culture, and eco-tourism of the region and helps improve the image of Riau Islands as a destination for both domestic and international tourists. Further, the involvement of local and regional experts in food preparations makes it an event for local heritage celebration and at the same time opens economic opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the tourism and food sectors.

This year, Dewi Kumalasari Ansar, the chair of the Riau Islands Family Welfare Movement (PKK), explained that Malay cuisine is one of the identities and cultures of the Malays in the region and, therefore, must be part of the tourism products of the Riau Islands. Her comments underscore the high interest taken in food tourism as a way to present the rich culinary tradition of the region and to add value to the regional economy.

A Platform for Local and International Tourism Growth

The festival features 58 dishes from seven districts in Riau Islands, showcasing a variety of local foods, beverages, and snacks. Dishes such as otak-otak, deram-deram, kerupuk gonggong, putu piring, laksa, and tepung gomak not only highlight the culinary diversity of the region but also serve as a major draw for tourists eager to experience authentic, local food.

For the tourism industry, the 2025 Malay Food Festival is a significant opportunity to boost visitor numbers during the off-peak months, attracting culinary tourists from both Indonesia and abroad. This event, coupled with Riau Islands’ growing tourism infrastructure, is expected to increase foot traffic to the region, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators. The rise in culinary tourism reflects the growing demand for authentic food experiences that offer tourists a chance to engage with local culture in a meaningful way.

Empowering Local Communities Through Tourism and Small Business Support

As Dewi Kumalasari Ansar emphasized, the festival provides an important platform for local businesses, especially small food vendors and cultural artisans, to showcase their products to a wider audience. This is crucial in supporting the local economy and job creation, particularly for rural communities who may not otherwise have access to tourism revenue.

Additionally, the festival’s emphasis on community involvement and entrepreneurship highlights the role of tourism as a driver of economic diversification. By creating opportunities for local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to market their products, the event supports inclusive tourism growth and community empowerment. This model of community-based tourism creates a sustainable framework for long-term economic development, where local people are directly benefiting from the growth of the tourism sector.

Promoting Cultural Exchange and International Awareness

The Malay Food Festival also fosters cultural exchange by attracting international tourists to experience Riau Islands’ rich heritage. The event not only highlights Malay culinary traditions but also provides visitors with an opportunity to experience local Malay culture, through performances, music, and traditional games.

By promoting the region as a destination for cultural tourism, the festival strengthens Riau Islands’ international profile, drawing global attention to the diverse offerings of the province. Through initiatives like this, Riau Islands can enhance its position on the global tourism map, attracting more visitors who seek authentic, cultural experiences.

Future Potential for Riau Islands as a Culinary Tourism Destination

Looking forward, Riau Islands is set to continue its growth as a culinary tourism hub in Southeast Asia, building on the momentum created by the success of events like the Malay Food Festival. As food tourism continues to gain popularity, the province’s unique culinary traditions and diverse cultural offerings will play an increasingly important role in attracting international visitors.

The success of this festival also sets the stage for the development of more culinary-focused tourism events throughout the year, providing further economic opportunities and promoting Riau Islands’ tourism sector. The festival’s positive impact on the local economy, combined with its cultural and culinary significance, positions the region for future growth in the tourism market.

Strengthening Tourism and Economy in Riau Islands

The 2025 Malay Food Festival will be a milestone in the tourism development of Riau Islands, which intends to promote tourist destinations and local culture for sustainable tourism. By capitalizing on traditional culinary assets and grassroots tourism, the festival has contributed to the regional economy while preserving its cultural heritage. Further success in this regard will see Riau Islands emerge as one of the most outstanding food tourist destinations, reinforcing the region’s commitment to economic development and ecotourism practices. With the increasing global demand for genuine tourism experiences, Riau Islands is strategically positioned for a leading role in Southeast Asia’s gastronomic tourism market.