On October 14th, 2024, BINUS @Bekasi hosted an inspiring event, the Sharing Book & Discussion of Pusaka Rasa Nusantara. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as over 100 participants, including students from the Business Hotel Management Program (semesters 1, 3, and 5) and those taking the culinary tourism class, gathered to delve into the rich tapestry of Indonesian culinary heritage.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Ms. Meilati Batubara, Director of the Nusa Gastronomy Foundation. Her passion for preserving Indonesia’s culinary identity set the tone for the day. She shared the vision behind the Pusaka Rasa Nusantara, a project dedicated to documenting the diverse flavors and stories behind Indonesia’s regional cuisines.
Following Ms. Meilati’s insightful introduction, the spotlight turned to Celebrity Chef Ragil. Known for his culinary mastery and deep knowledge of Indonesia’s food culture, Chef Ragil captivated the audience with stories from his journey in reviving traditional dishes. His demonstration of how modern techniques can be applied to age-old recipes left students in awe, eager to explore the intersections of innovation and tradition in their own culinary explorations.
The event continued with engaging discussions from Mr. Reza Maulana and Mr. Abdullah, key members of the Nusa Gastronomy Foundation. They expanded on the importance of safeguarding Indonesia’s culinary heritage and the role that young generations, especially students, play in this mission. Their insights on cultural preservation sparked meaningful exchanges among attendees, who eagerly posed questions and shared their thoughts.
One of the highlights of the event was the symbolic donation of the book Pusaka Rasa Nusantara to the BINUS Bekasi library. This valuable resource, now accessible to students, serves as a foundation for further research into the diverse culinary traditions across the archipelago.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session which moderated by Dr. Aditya Nova Putra, where students expressed their newfound appreciation for Indonesian cuisine. The discussion opened doors for future research, collaboration, and innovation, all while preserving the essence of Nusantara’s culinary heritage This gathering was more than just a discussion—it was a celebration of Indonesia’s rich cultural and culinary legacy, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.
