Jakarta, Dec. 24 -- Indonesia is strengthening its cultural diplomacy by harnessing literature and gastronomy as key sources of soft power, officials said at a talk show in Jakarta highlighting how words and food can project national identity abroad.

The event, titled "Dari Kata ke Rasa" (From Words to Taste), was held on Tuesday to underscore the strategic role of literary works and cuisine in advancing Indonesia's diplomatic outreach, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture.

Director General for Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion and Cooperation Endah Retnoastuti said Indonesia's traditional and contemporary cultural expressions have become important markers of national identity amid intensifying global compe...