One spectacular showcase where elite chefs and beverage masters transform mystery ingredients into unforgettable creations under intense spotlight

Archipelago reaffirmed its commitment to developing internal culinary talent through the Archipelago Black Box Battle The Final, held on 27 January 2026 at Aston Priority Simatupang Hotel and Conference Center. This prestigious event marked the national final and, for the first time, united regional champions from across Indonesia on a single competitive stage.

A total of 12 finalists, made up of six chefs and six F&B service professionals, faced challenges that tested their creativity, technical precision, and ability to perform under pressure. Each participant was a regional winner who had passed a rigorous selection process and successfully completed the highest level of Black Box Battle challenges in Kalimantan, Yogyakarta, Bogor, Sidoarjo, Cirebon, and Bali.

In the Food Battle category, chefs were required to prepare one appetizer and one main course within 90 minutes. Rib eye and salmon were revealed as the secret ingredients and had to be transformed into refined, high quality dishes. In the Beverage Battle category, participants were given 45 minutes to create two drinks using sweetened strawberry purée and espresso blended with 50 percent Arabica and 50 percent Robusta.

Archipelago CEO John Flood explained that the competition reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the quality of its human resources while maintaining consistent standards across the Archipelago hotel network. He emphasized that the event provides a professional platform for internal culinary talents to demonstrate their highest level of skill.

The Food Battle finalists were Ahmad Faisal Amin from Hotel Neo+ Balikpapan, Domas Muhammad Pilar from fave hotel Malioboro Yogyakarta, Aris Triyono from fave hotel Padjajaran Bogor, M. Zainuri from Aston Inn Jemursari, Reno Gani from Harper Cikarang, and I Kadek Pande Widyadinata from Aston Denpasar Hotel and Convention Center. The Beverage Battle finalists were Rendi Komara from Hotel Neo+ Balikpapan, Hanif Anshori from The Alana Hotel and Convention Center Solo, Micki Rizart from Harper Premier Nagoya Batam, Irawan Wisnu from Hotel Neo Malioboro, Zainnuri from Aston Purwokerto Hotel and Convention Center, and Made Putra Yasa from Aston Kuta Hotel and Residence.

The competition was evaluated by Archipelago’s internal judging panel, which included Winston Hanes as Senior Vice President of Operations, Sari Kusumaningrum as Senior Director of Corporate Communications and PR, Denny Wasana as Corporate F&B Manager, A.S. Windoe and Denny Frederick as Corporate Executive Chefs, and Risman Sukmawan as Corporate Pastry Chef.

In the Food Battle category, Reno Gani from Harper Cikarang won first place. Second place was awarded to I Kadek Pande Widyadinata from Aston Denpasar Hotel and Convention Center, while Aris Triyono from fave hotel Padjajaran Bogor secured third place. In the Beverage Battle category, Hanif Anshori from The Alana Hotel and Convention Center Solo took first place, followed by Micki Rizart from Harper Premier Nagoya Batam in second place and Made Putra Yasa from Aston Kuta Hotel and Residence in third place. The winners received trophies, medals, and cash prizes, while the remaining finalists were granted an allowance in recognition of their participation.

The competition stands as clear evidence that the collaboration, creativity, and passion of Archipelago’s F&B talents continue to grow, contributing to higher service standards within Indonesia’s hospitality industry.

 

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