Gerda Serena
Sep 07, 2026
Semarang — Indonesian culinary heritage took center stage at SKOLA Semarang on Saturday evening as Moderne Rijsttafel: Semaja Take Over SKOLA brought together food, traditional textiles, fashion, and music as part of Festival Kota Lama Semarang 2026.
A 14 course dinner at SKOLA Semarang turned Indonesia’s diverse culinary heritage into a modern dining journey.
The evening had a distinctive atmosphere from the moment guests arrived. Dressed in Indonesian wastra, guests wore traditional textiles and styles representing different parts of the archipelago. The setting combined the elegance of a gala dinner with elements of Indonesian culture, creating an introduction to the culinary experience that followed.
The main attraction was a modern interpretation of the traditional Rijsttafel dining concept, presented through a collaboration between SKOLA and Semaja Indonesia. Led by Chef Glenn Erari, the dinner explored Indonesian flavors using contemporary cooking techniques while keeping the cultural background of each dish.
According to Chef Glenn Erari, the main difference between the traditional and modern versions lies in the cooking techniques. The modern approach uses more complex methods to present familiar Indonesian dishes in a contemporary form without removing their cultural roots.
The menu consisted of 14 courses, creating a culinary route across the Indonesian archipelago. The journey began in Eastern Indonesia with a Papua inspired abon bread before moving gradually toward the western regions and ending in Sumatra.
Rather than presenting the dishes as separate courses without a connection, the dinner was designed as one continuous journey around the dining table. Each course represented a different region and story, allowing guests to explore Indonesia’s culinary diversity through a single dining experience.
The cultural program began with the singing of Indonesia Raya, followed by remarks from Agus Suryono, Head of the Festival Kota Lama Semarang Organizing Committee; Indriyasari, S.E., M.A.P., representing the Head of the Semarang City Department of Culture and Tourism; and Jenny Megaradjasa of OEN Foundation and Toko Oen Semarang.
The connection between food and Indonesian heritage continued through a Wastra Fashion Show. Collections inspired by traditional textiles from various regions were presented during the evening, adding a visual representation of the cultural diversity explored through the dinner.
Music also became part of the experience. Classic jazz performed by Nita Aartsen accompanied the dinner, adding a refined atmosphere as guests moved through the different courses.
The event also reflected the wider role that cultural activities can play in the Kota Lama area. Jenny Megaradjasa expressed hope that Festival Kota Lama would continue in the coming years and involve more businesses in the area, helping preserve its culture and history through events and community participation.
The event also highlighted SKOLA’s vision of becoming more than a dining destination. General Manager Ricky Meidhyantara described the venue as a community space where creativity, culture, culinary experiences, and local communities can come together.
With its combination of a 14 course menu, traditional textiles, fashion, and live jazz, Moderne Rijsttafel: Semaja Take Over SKOLA offered a contemporary way to experience Indonesia’s culinary and cultural diversity during Festival Kota Lama Semarang 2026.