On officiating the event, Pontianak mayor ad interim Mahmudah stated that the culinary event was part of an effort to introduce art and culture to the public for preservation purposes.

Pontianak Culinary and Promotion Week will be held until March 4, with events ranging from culinary activities to Chinese cultural performances such as barongsai (lion dances).

Mahmudah said he hoped the event would attract tourists, both local and foreign, to West Kalimantan.

“We hope to make future events more compelling by featuring, for instance, cuisine specific to Chinese New Year,” she said.

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The event also aims to promote harmony ahead of the simultaneous regional elections.

“I ask for everyone to be alert, to not be easily influenced by hoaxes and to be wiser in using social media,” she said.

Meanwhile, the event's committee head, Heri Candra, said this year’s event was slightly different from last year, as the promotion aspect of the celebration would play second fiddle to the cuisine aspect. “We need to appreciate other cultures by eating what they eat. Cultures have their own universal values,” he added.

Around 75 booths will be set up throughout the week, featuring cuisine, electronics and entertainment. The main stage will host traditional art performances.

“We hope many will respond [positively] to the event and, in the end, we hope that local and foreign tourist numbers increase in Pontianak,” he said. (wen)

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