SEMAJA Brings Modern Indonesian Cuisine to Amsterdam and Brussels
Jakarta. The richness of Indonesian cuisine is an integral part of its cultural heritage, carrying a unique appeal as the world’s largest archipelagic nation. However, despite this richness, Indonesian culinary traditions remain relatively underrecognized internationally, particularly in Western countries such as those in Europe.
The distinctive flavors of Indonesia, largely defined by its diverse blend of spices and aromatics, have yet to achieve the same global familiarity as other Asian cuisines such as Japanese, Thai, or Indian, which are now widely available in developed markets.
This reality has inspired SEMAJA, ISMAYA Group’s modern premium Indonesian dining concept based in Menteng, Jakarta. SEMAJA curates and elevates traditional Indonesian dishes by combining modern culinary techniques with premium ingredients while preserving the authenticity of its original flavors, allowing them to be enjoyed by diners from around the world.
After becoming a preferred dining destination for expatriates, diplomats, and international visitors seeking Indonesian cuisine in Jakarta, SEMAJA now extends its ambition as a culinary ambassador of Indonesia. It brings its contemporary culinary artistry to Western Europe through an exclusive collaboration with Ron Gastrobar Indonesia in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Batavia Restaurant in Brussels, Belgium.
This collaboration marks the meeting point of three modern Indonesian restaurants across three cities, SEMAJA in Jakarta, Ron Gastrobar Indonesia in Amsterdam, and Batavia Restaurant in Brussels. Despite being located across two continents, all three restaurants share the same philosophy toward Indonesian cuisine: rooted in tradition, yet expressed through a modern interpretation.
The collaboration brings together Chef Glenn Erari, Executive Chef of SEMAJA, and Chef Agus Hermawan, an Indonesian culinary diaspora figure and ambassador in Europe—two highly respected chefs specializing in modern Indonesian cuisine. Both share a deep passion for Indonesian flavors, shaped by different culinary journeys and experiences, resulting in innovative creations infused with contemporary artistic expression.
Behind this collaboration are two complementary approaches. Chef Glenn Erari, with roots in Papua and Bangka, is known for his deep connection to cultural values in every dish, delivering interpretations that preserve the essence of flavor while being executed with refined modern techniques. Meanwhile, Chef Agus Hermawan, based in Amsterdam, has long served as an Indonesian Culinary Ambassador, building his reputation through innovative approaches that incorporate modern techniques, alternative ingredients, and artistic presentation.
Together, they present a menu that celebrates Indonesian flavors through two distinct perspectives, unified by a shared respect for tradition, technique, and the stories behind each dish. The result is a dining experience that is not only unique but also serves as a bridge between Jakarta and Amsterdam at the same table.
This exclusive collaboration will take place from 6–9 May 2026 at Ron Gastrobar Indonesia in Amsterdam, followed by 13–14 May 2026 at Batavia Restaurant in Brussels, offering an intimate yet elevated dining experience for guests.
The collaboration was met with strong enthusiasm from local culinary enthusiasts. Throughout the dinner series, the majority of guests were local attendees, with approximately 80% coming from Amsterdam, while around 10% were members of the Indonesian diaspora. This high level of local participation reflects a growing openness in the international market toward the richness of Indonesian cuisine, particularly through a modern approach that resonates with evolving global tastes.
For SEMAJA, this moment represents more than an international expansion. It is a step toward bringing Indonesian culture to the global dining table in a way that remains rooted in tradition while staying relevant to contemporary gastronomy. Amid the growing global appreciation for Indonesian cuisine, SEMAJA’s presence in Western Europe reflects a renewed confidence: Indonesian flavors are not only worth discovering but also worth celebrating as part of the modern global culinary landscape.
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SEMAJA Brings Modern Indonesian Cuisine to Amsterdam and Brussels
SEMAJA brings modern Indonesian cuisine to Europe through collaborations in Amsterdam and Brussels to elevate global recognition.
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