On 14 November 2025, the Poland Festival 2025 continued its cultural program with a dynamic Culinary Workshop, bringing together two distinguished Polish chefs—Marcin Budynek and Mariusz Olehno. Both widely recognized for their innovative contributions to contemporary Polish gastronomy, the chefs guided students through an interactive, hands-on exploration 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 eager to broaden their culinary knowledge. The session not only introduced essential cooking techniques but also brought to life the cultural narratives behind traditional Polish dishes. Through this engaging format, students were encouraged to view gastronomy as a means of learning, creativity, and deeper cultural understanding.

Chef Marcin Budynek, one of Poland’s most respected culinary personalities, highlighted how Polish cuisine is shaped by local ingredients, regional variety, and longstanding seasonal traditions. He explained that the workshop aimed to offer more than just recipes—sharing instead the values, heritage, and human connections inherent in Polish food.

Echoing this sentiment, Chef Mariusz Olehno emphasized that cooking is a universal language capable of bridging cultures. He expressed hope that the experience would inspire students to blend their Indonesian culinary identity with global influences, fostering creativity and openness in their future careers.

Representing PAIH, Cezary Filipek, Head of the PAIH Jakarta Office, underscored the importance of education and cultural diplomacy in building enduring partnerships. He noted that food is one of the most powerful forms of cultural exchange, and through the Poland Festival, Poland seeks to share its traditions while strengthening ties with Indonesia’s next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. Such interactions, he added, pave the way for deeper collaboration in the years to come.

Prof. Dr. Fetty Asmaniati, M.Si., CHE, Rector of the Trisakti Institute of Tourism, expressed her appreciation for the initiative. She emphasized that the workshop provided valuable international exposure, enabling students to understand the cultural significance behind global cuisines. Partnerships like this, she said, play a critical role in preparing graduates to become world-class leaders in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The Poland Festival Goes to Campus initiative forms part of the broader 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 growth, and meaningful people-to-people diplomacy.