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The Kulon Progo Regency Tourism Office held the 2025 Menoreh Food Festival at the Sermo Reservoir tourist area in Hargowilis Village, Kokap District on Apr. 12, 2025. The culinary festival was held to support the revival of regional tourism through the promotion of Kulon Progo's characteristic culinary offerings.
The event, which was open and free for the public, was enlivened by various interesting activities such as the distribution of 600 free portions of kemebul noodles prepared by chefs from starred hotels, a tumpeng or cone-shaped rice dish creation competition from 20 tourism service business actors, and the distribution of 240 mini tumpengs to visitors.
Visitors were also treated to a live cooking performance by special guests Kulon Progo Regent Agung Setyawan, Deputy Regent Ambar Purwoko, Chef Muto, and general managers of starred hotels.
On that occasion, Agung emphasized the importance of quality and service for culinary actors in the tourist area. He introduced the slogan 'Mie mak CESH' which includes an acronym for Fast, Delicious, Healthy, and Halal (CESH) as a guideline for culinary tourism presenters in Kulon Progo, especially for noodle products.
"Culinary actors in tourist attractions must pay close attention to the quality of products and services. The slogan 'Mie mak CESH' is a reminder that every dish served is not only delicious but also served quickly, healthy to consume, and guaranteed halal," said Agung.
Furthermore, the regent advised all tourism actors, especially in the culinary field, to always provide the best service to tourists.
"Excellent service will make tourists feel appreciated and have a positive experience, which would make them interested in returning to Kulon Progo," he added.
Agung also encouraged culinary actors to continue to innovate and improve the quality of local food in order to compete with the popularity of fast food.
"Creativity from the community in presenting local cuisine with a modern touch is needed so that our cuisine is increasingly in demand," he noted.
The Menoreh Food Festival is expected to be a forum for the community to display creativity in presenting local cuisine while supporting the Indonesian government's free nutritious meal program.
By highlighting the potential of local cuisine, the event is also expected to further stimulate the tourism sector in Kulon Progo Regency and provide a positive impact on the community's economy.
Kulon Progo Tourism Office Head Joko Mursito said that the festival realizes the mandate by the Kulon Progo Regent and Deputy Regent make the tumpeng competition a symbol of Kulon Progo BINANGUN (Faithful, Beautiful, Lively, Safe, Reasoned, Harmonious, Diligent, and Comfortable).
"This competition aims to make a characteristic Kulon Progo tumpeng, with participants coming from various regions that spans the Menoreh Hills to the South Coast," he said.
The Tumpeng Competition at the Menoreh Food Festival is competing for the Kulon Progo Regent Trophy.
"The purpose of this activity is to accommodate culinary developments with a [high-]quality activity," said Joko.
He added that the tumpeng-making competition emphasizes creations that showcases the identity of Kulon Progo Regency by using local ingredients and being equipped with the appropriate design narratives.
"This activity is also a form of gratitude about how we can still implement quality programs and target the community directly amid austerity with the hope of improving their economic conditions," said Joko.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significant increase in tourist visits to Glagah Beach during the Idul Fitri holiday compared to in 2024.
"One of our efforts to increase visits is by presenting the Saron Gender performance at the Glagah Culinary Plaza," Joko noted.
