From Jakarta to Europe: Celebrating Modern Indonesian Cuisine in Amsterdam and Brussels

From Jakarta to Europe: Celebrating Modern Indonesian Cuisine in Amsterdam and Brussels

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There is something quietly powerful about a cuisine that travels, not just across borders, but across interpretations, generations, and identities.

Indonesian flavours, deeply rooted in heritage, are ready to be reinterpreted, refined, and reintroduced to the world.

This May, that journey unfolds through an intimate and highly anticipated collaboration between SEMAJA and Ron Gastrobar Indonesia, a meeting of minds dedicated to redefining Indonesian cuisine on the global stage.

Titled “From Jakarta to Europe: Celebrating Modern Indonesian Cuisine,” this limited series of dining experiences is more than a showcase.

Two Chefs, One Vision

From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours

At the heart of this collaboration are two culinary figures whose journeys reflect both depth and evolution.

Chef Glenn Erari, Executive Chef of SEMAJA, brings a deeply personal narrative into his cuisine.

With roots in Papuan and Bangka heritage, his approach is one of quiet respect, preserving the soul of traditional dishes while refining them through modern gastronomy.

From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours

Having honed his craft in luxury kitchens and served as Head Chef at the Indonesian Embassy in Chile, his work speaks to both authenticity and global sensibility.

Chef Agus Hermawan from Ron Gastrobar offers a bold, expansive perspective

From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours

With over 25 years of experience and a reputation that extends across continents, Chef Agus has long been an ambassador of Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands.

His cooking is inventive yet grounded, reimagining familiar flavours through alternative ingredients, modern techniques, and precise presentation.

Together, they form a dialogue between tradition and innovation, Jakarta and Europe, memory and reinvention.

An Exclusive Four-Hands Experience

From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours  From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours

This collaboration takes shape through an exclusive Four Hands Dinner series, hosted across select locations in the Netherlands:

  • May 6th – Ouderkerk, Ron Gastrobar Indonesia
  • May 8th – Laren, Ron Gastrobar Indonesia
  • May 9th – Bloemendaal, Farewell Dinner

From 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM, guests are invited into an experience where every detail, from plating to pacing, is carefully orchestrated.

Expect dishes that feel both familiar and entirely new. A sambal that carries memory, yet arrives with unexpected nuance. A heritage recipe, elevated through technique without losing its identity. Each course is crafted with intention, honouring Indonesian roots while embracing contemporary expression.

From Jakarta to Europe: A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Craft, and Contemporary Indonesian Flavours

Beyond its highly anticipated Four Hands Dinner series across the Netherlands, the collaboration continues its journey to Batavia Restaurant with an exclusive SEMAJA Takeover: Guest Chefs Session on May 13–14, 2026.

Set in the heart of Brussels, this special engagement brings together Chef Glenn Erari and Chef Agus Hermawan for an intimate dining experience that showcases the best of modern Indonesian culinary artistry.

With limited seating across two sessions—17:00–19:30 and 20:00–22:00—guests are invited to savour a refined interpretation of Indonesia’s rich flavours, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect heritage, innovation, and the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration.

More Than a Meal: A Shared Philosophy

SEMAJA brings its modern interpretation of Indonesian cuisine to an international audience, translating tradition into a refined, contemporary language.

Meanwhile, Ron Gastrobar Indonesia, together with Ismaya Group, continues to elevate Indonesian dining within Europe, bridging cultural appreciation with culinary excellence.

From Jakarta to Europe: Celebrating Modern Indonesian Cuisine in Amsterdam and Brussels

The result is not just a partnership, but a cultural exchange, one that invites guests to experience Indonesian cuisine beyond expectation.

And perhaps more importantly, it offers something increasingly rare: warmth. Not just in flavour, but in hospitality. In the quiet attention to detail. In the way a dish is presented, explained, and shared.

Take Part in Our Limited Invitation

With limited seating and select dates, this is an experience designed to remain intimate, where each guest is part of the story.

For those seeking more than just a meal, this is your invitation.

Reserve your seat here or visit @semaja_id

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more updates and recommendations in Indonesia!

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