Jakarta — Indonesia showcased agricultural products and food innovations at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) global “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition in Rome, highlighting the country’s agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge and efforts to strengthen food security.
The five-day exhibition, held from October 8-12 at Circo Massimo, brings together more than 140 countries to explore how innovation, technology and local knowledge can transform agrifood systems. The event marks the start of activities leading up to World Food Day on October 16.
Indonesia displayed products ranging from Beneng taro from Banten and premium Gedong Gincu mangoes from West Java to nutmeg and cloves from Maluku, as well as edible bird’s nests and premium honey.
Moringa leaves are also featured in a range of value-added food and beverage products, demonstrating their potential as a source of nutritious foods and new market opportunities.
“Indonesia’s diversity of crops, agricultural knowledge and food traditions provide a strong foundation for enhancing food security and creating greater value for farmers,” Agriculture Ministry Secretary-General Suwandi said in a statement on Monday, October 12.
He said Indonesia’s participation for the second consecutive year highlighted opportunities to develop new products and markets through agricultural processing and value addition.
The Indonesian pavilion also offered food tastings and cooking demonstrations featuring local beverages, coffee, tropical fruit chips and traditional snacks. Cultural performances and contemporary designs incorporating traditional ulos textiles from North Sumatra and Javanese batik are showcasing the links between agriculture, food and cultural heritage.
Indonesia’s agricultural initiatives also reflect cooperation with the FAO to improve production, nutrition, environmental sustainability and livelihoods.
With support from the Global Environment Facility, the FAO and Indonesia’s Agriculture Ministry are working with local communities to conserve crop diversity, including nutmeg and cloves in North Maluku. Under the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product initiative, banana farmers in Lumajang, East Java, are receiving support to improve productivity, quality and market readiness.
The FAO has also facilitated knowledge exchanges between Indonesian mango farmers and counterparts in the Philippines to promote innovative and sustainable production methods.
Rajendra Aryal, FAO representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, said the exhibition offered an opportunity to showcase practical, community-based agricultural solutions and demonstrate how collaboration could improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.
The exhibition was part of the sixth World Food Forum, an FAO initiative promoting global dialogue and partnerships on food and agriculture. Last year’s “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition attracted more than 10,000 visitors, according to the organisers. (nsh)
Banner photo: The Indonesian Government, through the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Rome and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting innovations in Indonesia’s food and agricultural systems at the FAO’s global exhibition ‘From Seeds to Foods’ at the Circo Massimo in Rome, from 8 to 12 October 2026. The exhibition is being held to mark World Food Day on 16 October. Photo credit: FAO
