A mini survey by Omar Niode Foundation finds that Indonesians love traditional foods, drinks and traditional snacks for the tastes. They usually buy such foods in Traditional Markets and Souvenir Centers.

A majority of our respondents suggested more promotion to popularize Indonesian foods. Fairs and festivals, according to them are necessary for introducing the diversity of Indonesian food products and services to a variety of audiences.

In answering these challenges Omar Niode Foundation organized Patali (Market) Day. Agriculture, Food and Culinary Celebration. A total of 30 entities supported by culinary connoisseurs from small medium enterprises, to large companies, and government to non-government organizations supported this first annual event.

More than 300 people visited Patali (Market) Day, held on February 23, 2013 at The Dharmawangsa Jakarta. Almost 50% of the guests were hospitality students while the rests represented food producers, artisans, chefs, bloggers, and the media.

In his opening remarks, Terzi Niode, the Secretary of Omar Niode Foundation said: "As the organizer, we hope visitors present at this event, especially students, will better understand the range of agricultural, food and culinary arts of Indonesia. We also have writing and food photography sessions for students to enhance their skills. Eventually they can help preserve and boost the popularity of culinary products and services both in our own country and throughout the world."

A series of events at Patali (Market) Day began with information on the Status of Indonesian Agriculture and Food by Yusni Emilia Harahap, Special Staff to the Minister of Agriculture. Firmansyah Rahim, the Director General of Tourism Destination Development, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy followed with news on 30 Indonesian Traditional Culinary Icons.

To brighten Patali (Market) Day, Omar Niode Foundation officially launched its website of agriculture, food and culinary arts www.omarniode.org and three books: 1) Pertanian dan Pangan Berbasis Kawasan dan Lingkungan (Environmental and Region Based Food and Agriculture), 2) Food Science and Technology. A Memorial Publication for Omar Taraki Niode, 3) 50 Appetizing Snippets. Agriculture, Food and Culinary Muse.

Beautiful traditional dancers from Sanggar De Tila Bataila led by Indrawati Tahir Gobel entertained guests during the launching of the three books and Omar Niode Foundation’s website.

Food Tasting, a delightful session hosted by Gery Puraatmadja and Ade Putri from Food for Fun, Female Radio, featured distinctive artisan food products. Students immediately tweeted their impressions by using hashtag # Pataliday and laughed out loud upon seeing their comments displayed on a large screen. After the journey of taste sensations, Chichi Bernardus, a senior journalist and chief editor of Women’s Health Indonesia, shared her knowledge on food writing and how to be good word artists.

Patali (Market) Day has a session for children and youth, led by Young Chefs Academy Indonesia where children as young as 3 years old excitingly learned how to make klepon (rice balls filled with palm sugar).

Lunch at Patali (Market) Day was a treat where The Dharmawangsa served traditional culinary icons such as Gado-Gado Jakarta, Tahu Telur Surabaya (tofu with eggs), Soto Ayam Lamongan (aromatic chicken soup), Rendang Padang (caramelized beef), Pindang Patin Palembang (fish soup) and Orak Arik Solo (sautéed string beans with scrambled eggs).

Cornelia Agatha, a beautiful actress who mastered the cooking techniques of foods from various regions in Indonesia and abroad hosted a full afternoon session of Cooking Demo & Food Photography. Cornelia surprised the audience by reading a funny poem Cinta Cabe Keriting (the love of a curly hot chili).

In this session, Executive Chef Vindex Tengker demonstrated his cooking skills preparing Pan Fried Baramundi and Rendang Glazed Wagyu Beef while Anny Valentina a photographer from Neumatt Center for Photography Studies gave her tips on how best to take food photographs. Participants rushed to the front trying the food, took photos and asked questions to the chef and the photographer.

At a Mini Bazar that lasted all day visitors had a chance to interact directly, bought and received information about products and services offered by artisans, food companies, cooking equipment sellers, food magazines and non-governmental organizations.

Participants went home satisfied with new knowledge, love for Indonesian delicacies and goodie bags full of food, magazines and books, courtesy of Patali (Market) Day supporters.

The event was tweeted almost 1000 times while press coverage reached 25 media outlets, some with more than one articles. Reviewing the success of Patali (Market) Day, we are open to your suggestions on programs for next year’s event that will hopefully be as festive with more participants, new information, experience, and plenty of good food without leaving its educational purposes.

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To see more beautiful photos of Patali (Market) Day click here

Images: Monchichi Photography & Omar Niode Foundation