A vibrant cultural encounter that immersed students in the art, flavor, and storytelling of Polish culinary heritage

Poland Festival 2025 continued its cultural program with a Culinary Workshop at the Trisakti Institute of Tourism on 14 November 2025. The event brought together two renowned Polish chefs, Marcin Budynek and Mariusz Olehno, both celebrated for their innovative work in Polish gastronomy. They guided students through an immersive, hands-on introduction to the richness of authentic Polish cuisine.

Hosted by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) in collaboration with the Trisakti Institute of Tourism, the workshop welcomed 100 students who participated in an interactive cooking session. The program highlighted both culinary techniques and the cultural stories behind traditional Polish dishes. Through its practical and engaging format, the workshop encouraged students to recognize gastronomy as a pathway to learning, creativity, and cultural understanding.

Chef Marcin Budynek, one of Poland’s most respected culinary figures, emphasized that Polish cuisine reflects a diverse cultural heritage rooted in local ingredients and seasonal traditions. He explained that the workshop aimed to offer more than recipes by sharing the narratives, values, and connections that food can create.

Chef Mariusz Olehno noted that cooking is a universal language that unites people across cultures. He expressed his hope that the session would inspire students to merge their Indonesian culinary identity with broader global influences.

Representing PAIH, Cezary Filipek, Head of the PAIH Jakarta Office, underscored the role of education and cultural diplomacy in fostering long-term partnerships. He shared that food is one of the strongest forms of cultural exchange and that through the Poland Festival, Poland seeks to celebrate its traditions while strengthening ties with Indonesia’s future culinary and hospitality leaders. He added that such interactions can open opportunities for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

The Rector of the Trisakti Institute of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Fetty Asmaniati, M.Si., CHE, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration. She highlighted that the workshop offered valuable international exposure, helping students deepen their understanding of the cultural significance behind global cuisines. She emphasized that partnerships like this are vital in preparing graduates to become world-class professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The Poland Festival Goes to Campus initiative is part of the wider Poland Festival 2025, a national program organized by PAIH to strengthen economic, cultural, and educational ties between Poland and Indonesia. By engaging students through direct cultural experiences, the initiative reflects Poland’s commitment to advancing knowledge exchange, creative development, and meaningful people-to-people diplomacy.