provided visitors with a memorable experience featuring authentic flavors, engaging interactive activities, and cultural experiences

The Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Jakarta hosted the Festival Rasa Amerika, an exhibition of American food and agricultural products held as part of a year-long celebration marking 250 years of U.S. independence. The festival took place at Mal Sarinah, Central Jakarta, on Saturday and Sunday, January 31 to February 1, 2026, offering a wide range of engaging activities that were open to the public free of charge.

The festival began with a welcome speech from senior representatives of the U.S. Embassy, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, dance performances, and a mascot appearance that created a lively and festive atmosphere. Guests then toured 13 exhibition booths showcasing premium agricultural products and processed foods from the United States. The tour concluded with a press doorstop near DEWATA Restaurant, giving media representatives the opportunity to learn more about the event.

Festival Rasa Amerika featured 13 groups of American agricultural commodities, including Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, California Milk Advisory Board, Washington Apple Commission, USA Rice, USA Pulses, American Pistachio, U.S. Meat Export Federation, U.S. Cotton Council International, Medjool Dates, California Raisins, Food Export USA, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates. Each booth displayed high-quality products ranging from seafood, dairy, fruits, nuts, and meat to food and textile raw materials, including batik made from American cotton, which stood out as a unique highlight of the festival.

The festival went beyond product displays, offering interactive experiences for visitors. Attendees enjoyed food tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, a cake-making competition using American wheat flour and raisins, a fashion show featuring garments made from U.S. cotton, virtual reality experiences, and photo booth challenges. Live performances and interactive sessions with influencers further enriched the experience, providing Jakarta residents with an authentic taste of American culture.

In conjunction with the festival, Foodhall launched a special retail promotion called Rasa Amerika at its Jakarta outlets from January 31 to February 28, 2026. The promotion offered exclusive discounts for customers purchasing American products, encouraging the public to try new food and beverage offerings from the United States.

U.S. Agricultural Counselor Lisa Ahramjian highlighted that the festival not only showcased high-quality agricultural products but also promoted cultural exchange and strengthened bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia. Festival Rasa Amerika provided a unique opportunity for the public to explore, experience, and enjoy the best of American cuisine and culture, all in one vibrant location in central Jakarta.