On March 28, 2026, the “Rasa Amerika” campaign participated in the Freedom 250 Makassar Roadshow at Nipah Mall, Makassar, featuring an engaging cooking demonstration that highlighted the versatility and quality of U.S. agricultural products. Following a tour of the U.S. booths at the expo, Charge d’Affaires Peter Haymond of the U.S. Embassy Jakarta joined renowned Indonesian celebrity chef Vindex Tengker on the main stage for a live culinary showcase. The session attracted strong interest from visitors, reflecting growing enthusiasm for U.S. food ingredients among Indonesian consumers.

During the demonstration, Chef Vindex prepared three dishes that creatively combined premium U.S. ingredients with Indonesian flavors:

• Spiced sausage rolls with California raisins and U.S. apples
• Crispy beef rica-rica, featuring U.S. beef striploin and California mozzarella cheese
• Sticky Medjool date pudding with toffee and passion fruit sauce

Throughout the session, Chef Vindex highlighted how U.S. ingredients, known for their consistent quality, safety, and taste, can be incorporated into Indonesian cuisine, from savory dishes to desserts. The interactive format allowed the audience to engage directly, with questions and discussions on cooking techniques and ingredient applications.

The event also encouraged visitors to explore the “Rasa Amerika” booths across the exhibition, where a variety of U.S. products were showcased. Featured products included California raisins, U.S. Medjool dates, California cheese, U.S. apples, and U.S. beef, presented in collaboration with partners such as Indoguna and Primasari Eterna. Overall, the cooking demonstration showcased the versatility and culinary potential of U.S. agricultural products, while strengthening awareness and interest among Indonesian consumers and industry stakeholders.