(Phnom Penh): Santo Darmosumarto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Cambodia, officially launched the “Duta Rasa Nusantara” Certificate or known as the Ambassador of Indonesian Taste Certificate in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 19 February 2026.

Duta Rasa Nusantara is the Embassy’s recent initiative in 2026 to encourage Indonesian gastrodiplomacy in Cambodia. The certificate is awarded towards Indonesian restaurants in Cambodia for their active role in promoting Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage through serving Indonesian cuisine with authentic recipes and taste.

“Duta Rasa Nusantara is a recognition towards the important role that the Indonesian restaurants do in Cambodia, by introducing authentic Indonesian cuisine to the locals and foreigners in Cambodia”, said Ambassador Santo in his opening speech. The launching event was attended by a number of foreign ambassadors and Cambodian businesspeople.

Owner of Indonesian restaurant “Resto Somatera” in Toul Tompoung, Phnom Penh, Markus Dwinanta, was selected as the first awardee of Duta Rasa Nusantara. Resto Somatera has been known serving authentic Indonesian cuisine from diverse parts of Indonesia for almost 17 years. They also known for generously sharing their culinary experiences and authentic Indonesian recipes to the local youths. Four former employees even already opened their own culinary business.

Besides supporting Indonesian gastrodiplomacy in order for Indonesian cuisine to be more familiar with and enjoyed by the Cambodian people, Duta Rasa Nusantara might also be perceived as an initiative that is relevant with the Cambodian government’s recent agenda in developing Muslim-friendly tourism.

The growing presence of Indonesian culinary establishments in many parts of Cambodia–which most are known to serve halal dishes–would reflect an image of Cambodia as a welcoming and friendly tourist destination for Muslims, including the Indonesian tourists. Approximately, there are about 400 Indonesian culinary establishments throughout the country.

“As Cambodia sees growth in tourism visits from Muslim countries, this initiative would support the government’s effort in promoting halal culinary industry at the same time,” Ambassador Santo, added. Indonesian cuisine can be a bridge to strengthen friendship between the Indonesian and Cambodian people.

In the near future, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh will curate a list of recommended Indonesian restaurants serving dishes with authentic recipes and taste, which can be used as a reference for those looking for Indonesian cuisine while in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS