Paramita (BINUS)

Today, diplomacy in international relations is not just undertaken through formal agreements between states, commercial negotiations, or military strength. Cultural practices are becoming increasingly important in the ways governments define themselves and influence global audiences. Gastrodiplomacy is one of the important forms of cultural diplomacy that uses food as a tool to promote international understanding and strengthen a country’s soft power. An interesting example of the diplomatic potential of traditional food is tumpeng, the characteristic cone-shaped rice dish served during ceremonies, celebrations, and communal gatherings in Indonesia. From a Constructivist perspective, tumpeng can be understood not simply as cuisine, but as a socially constructed symbol that expresses Indonesian values, identity, and worldview to the international community.

Constructivism emphasises that international politics is constituted by intersubjective understandings, identities, norms, and ideas, rather than only by material capabilities (Wendt, 1999). Social interaction creates and sustains identities that influence the behaviour of states. Cultural symbols therefore become politically important because they influence how a nation understands itself and how it is understood by outsiders. Food is not a neutral commodity in this context. The meanings conveyed through culinary traditions reflect historical experiences, social interactions, and community values.

Tumpeng is strongly embedded in Indonesian culture. The dish has traditionally been prepared for community celebrations, religious festivals, birthdays, thanksgiving rituals, and other important occasions. It symbolises thankfulness, harmony, prosperity, gotong royong (mutual cooperation), and respect for nature. The cone shape is commonly understood as representing a spiritual connection between humanity and the divine, while the side dishes surrounding the rice symbolise the importance of balance and the diversity of life. These meanings are not intrinsic to the rice itself; rather, they have been produced through generations of cultural practices and shared interpretations. This process, in which societies give symbolic significance to particular practices and objects, is central to Constructivist thinking.

Tumpeng carries strong potential to represent the country in international settings (Fadiati et.al., 2025). It is not just a cone-shaped mound of rice surrounded by side dishes on a bamboo platter—it is a symbol of Indonesian culture and identity. Tumpeng can therefore function as a gastrodiplomatic tool for communicating these values to international audiences. It can serve as a narrative device when presented at ASEAN gatherings, foreign cultural festivals, tourism events, or diplomatic receptions. In such contexts, Indonesian food is not merely offered to foreign guests; it also communicates aspects of Indonesian society and culture. The ritual presentation of tumpeng emphasises honour, warmth, and cultural heritage, while its collective consumption signifies unity and togetherness. These experiences can contribute to the formation of positive perceptions of Indonesia abroad.

This process is particularly significant from a Constructivist perspective because it contributes to the construction and reproduction of national identity in international relations. Indonesia seeks to portray itself as a cooperative, culturally diverse, and pluralistic nation. This identity can be reinforced through repeated social interactions involving tumpeng-based gastrodiplomacy. Over time, such interactions can contribute to a shared understanding of Indonesia as a society that values communal harmony and diversity. In this context, tumpeng functions as an expression of soft power, achieving diplomatic objectives through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion (Nye, 2004).

The Constructivist paradigm further helps explain the potential role of gastrodiplomacy in the diffusion of norms. By promoting traditional culinary practices, local foods, social dining, and cultural respect, Indonesia can participate in wider international discussions concerning cultural heritage preservation and sustainable gastronomy. International institutions, including UNESCO, increasingly connect sustainable development with cultural and culinary traditions. Tumpeng can therefore be presented not only as a national cultural icon but also as part of a broader effort to promote cultural diversity and sustainable food systems.

This perspective is particularly relevant to Indonesia’s relations with the European Union and ASEAN. Both the EU and ASEAN increasingly emphasise sustainability, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity. Culinary diplomacy can provide Indonesia with an additional avenue for building mutual trust alongside formal political and economic relationships. Tumpeng represents a distinctive Indonesian contribution to interregional dialogue because its cultural meanings are compatible with broader diplomatic agendas concerning cooperation, inclusivity, cultural diversity, and community resilience.

Tumpeng also demonstrates how local traditions can be incorporated into global diplomacy while maintaining their cultural identity. Gastrodiplomacy is not simply about exporting food successfully; it is also about communicating the social meanings, values, histories, and narratives associated with food. Effective implementation therefore requires cooperation among government institutions, tourism organisations, cultural organisations, chefs, and Indonesian communities abroad. The symbolism of tumpeng can reach international audiences beyond formal diplomatic settings, thereby extending the reach of Indonesian gastrodiplomacy. Digital platforms and social media provide additional opportunities to communicate these cultural narratives to wider audiences.

However, an important challenge is how international audiences may appreciate the visual aesthetics of tumpeng without fully understanding its cultural significance. A contextual storytelling is important for the successful implementation of gastrodiplomacy. During diplomatic events, the symbolism of the cone-shaped rice, the significance of the accompanying dishes, and the principles of communal sharing should be explained. Providing this cultural background can help ensure that tumpeng is recognised not merely as an unusual or attractive culinary product, but as a symbol of Indonesian identity and social philosophy.

From a Constructivist International Relations perspective, therefore, the diplomatic relevance of tumpeng extends beyond its gastronomic popularity. The dish represents socially constructed meanings of thankfulness, harmony, cooperation, and cultural diversity that form important elements of Indonesian national identity. Through gastrodiplomacy, tumpeng can help Indonesia communicate these ideals internationally, develop favourable perceptions, and contribute to broader discussions concerning cultural and sustainability norms.

Tumpeng consequently provides a striking example of how traditional food can contribute to Indonesia’s soft power and strengthen its position within ASEAN, its relationship with the European Union, and the wider international community. As contemporary diplomacy increasingly recognises the importance of cultural engagement, traditional culinary practices can provide meaningful platforms for intercultural communication and international relationship-building.

Short Bio:

Paramita is a Deputy Head of International Relations Global Class, BINUS University. Here research interest is on gastrodiplomacy, European Union Studies, Global Governance, and International Political Economy.

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