Stallone Tjia
Sep 10, 2025
The Golden Swirl Awards – Jakarta Chapter returned for its second year, reaffirming its place as one of the capital’s most anticipated culinary celebrations. As part of Jakarta Dessert Week (JDW) 2025—a flagship festival under Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy—the awards highlight creativity, innovation, and excellence across Jakarta’s dynamic dessert scene. Since its inception in 2019, JDW has been at the forefront of Indonesia’s dessert movement, and the Golden Swirl Awards serve as its pinnacle showcase.
The Golden Swirl Awards – Jakarta Chapter 2025
More Than a Trophy
Far beyond a ceremonial prize, the Golden Swirl Awards celebrate the chefs, brands, and innovators redefining pastry and dessert culture in Indonesia. Thirteen categories were presented this year, including Pastry Chef of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the newly introduced Modern Indonesian Dessert Shop of the Year, honoring those who reinterpret traditional sweets with a contemporary edge.
“This award is more than a ceremony—it’s a stage that opens opportunities. It celebrates dedication, passion, and the courage to innovate. As the official venue partner for the 2025 Golden Swirl Awards, Plaza Indonesia is proud to host this celebration and equally delighted to see many nominees from dessert shops within Plaza Indonesia,” said Zamri Mamat, Deputy Chief Marketing Officer of Plaza Indonesia.
Raising the Bar for the Industry
Positioned as a strategic initiative under JDW, the Golden Swirl Awards strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s dessert and pastry industry. Judging was conducted independently at Electrolux Indonesia, with tailored criteria for each category.
The distinguished jury included Chef Ray Janson, Chef Louis Tanuhadi, Chef Rinrin Marinka, Chef Yuda Bustara, and Chef Teuku Andre Aziz, alongside the founders of JDW. Categories such as Emerging Dessert Brand of the Year were assessed on innovation, flavor, presentation, customer experience, and growth potential.
“The Golden Swirl Awards were born from a vision to ensure Indonesian desserts are not only enjoyed but recognized on the global culinary stage. From Jakarta, this spirit has expanded to Bandung and Medan, fostering ecosystems that support, empower, and spotlight both emerging and established talents,” said Gupta Sitorus, Co-Founder of Indonesia Dessert Week and initiator of the Golden Swirl Awards.
Government Endorsement
The initiative has received strong backing from the government. Teuku Riefky Harsya, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasized its broader impact:
“We appreciate efforts that bring Indonesian desserts to the global stage. The Golden Swirl Awards not only inspire chefs and entrepreneurs but also enrich the experiences of both Indonesian and international food lovers. Through cross-industry and cross-regional collaboration, this initiative strengthens the creative economy as a new driver of national growth.”
Building Culinary Tourism Through Gastronomy
For five consecutive years (2021–2025), Jakarta Dessert Week has been recognized as part of Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), which highlights 110 of Indonesia’s most exceptional events nationwide. This recognition underscores JDW’s role as a pioneering culinary platform.
Aligned with the Ministry’s vision of “Pariwisata Naik Kelas” (Elevating Tourism), gastronomy has been identified as a key element of special interest tourism—a growing trend among global travelers. Indonesian gastronomy offers more than flavor; it brings together stories, culture, and authentic experiences that enhance the nation’s appeal as a world-class destination.
Events like Jakarta Dessert Week and the Golden Swirl Awards exemplify this transformation, showcasing Indonesian desserts as sophisticated cultural assets while supporting the broader mission to position Indonesia as a leading global tourism destination.