A Landmark Moment for Indonesian Hospitality: IFBEC Launches Its Central Java Chapter
On behalf of the International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA), we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Indonesian Food & Beverage Executive Association (IFBEC) on the successful inauguration of its Central Java Chapter, alongside the excellent execution of the Mixology Competition 2026. This milestone is not merely an event — it represents an important step in Indonesia’s ongoing journey to raise professional standards, strengthen industry skills, and build a more structured and future-ready hospitality ecosystem.
A Step Forward in National Industry Development
The establishment of IFBEC’s Central Java Chapter reflects a clear and deliberate commitment to expanding professional platforms across Indonesia. We would like to especially recognise the leadership of I Ketut Darmayasa, whose vision and dedication have been central to driving IFBEC’s national expansion and shaping a strong, forward-looking platform for the industry. His leadership shows a clear ability to balance big-picture thinking with practical delivery — making sure that plans are not only well thought out but effectively carried out on the ground.
Where Vision Meets Execution
What stands out strongly is how clearly the vision and execution are aligned. Bringing together a professional platformand a high-quality competition reflects a mature and progressive approach to industry development — one that puts technical excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement at the centre. These are critical foundations for driving lasting improvements in standards across the food and beverage sector.
This view is shared by Ashok Khumar, Chairman of the Banten Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), who emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in enhancing the industry’s competitiveness. Zainul Bahar, Advisor to the Banten Chapter of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs Association (IFBEC), echoed this sentiment, noting that the hospitality industry must become increasingly adaptive to change.
“The hospitality industry needs to be more adaptive and open to strategic partnerships to ensure business sustainability amid dynamic market changes,”
Inclusivity, Scalability and Regional Reach
From a global perspective, IFBEC’s expansion across regions in Indonesia shows a strong commitment to inclusivity and scalability. By building connected platforms that bring together talent, institutions, and industry stakeholders, Indonesia is not only strengthening its local capabilities but also growing its influence in the global hospitality community.
At IFBA, we firmly believe that the future of hospitality depends on working together — sharing knowledge, upholding professional standards, and building collaborative ecosystems that drive real progress. The Central Java initiative is a clear reflection of that belief, serving as both a driver of regional growth and a model for industry-led development.
Nurturing Talent at Every Level
IFBEC’s approach stands out for how it brings together emerging talent and experienced professionals under the same platform. By engaging both groups, it creates a balanced and sustainable pipeline of future industry leaders — ensuring the sector continues to grow with resilience, innovation, and integrity.
“Indonesia is setting a strong example for the rest of the region. The work that IFBEC is doing ,building structured platforms, investing in talent, and expanding its reach is exactly what drives an industry forward. When an association commits to both professional development and talent growth at the same time, it creates something truly lasting. IFBEC’s expansion reflects a genuine commitment to raising standards not just in one city, but across the country. That kind of ambition is what moves the whole industry forward.” — Cheong Hai Poh, President of IFBA
A Platform for Collaboration and Community
The event featured a series of activities, including networking sessions, a dinner experience, door prize giveaways, and social interaction sessions among participants. Attendees came from various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, and other supporting industries — reflecting the broad, cross-sector spirit that defines IFBEC’s approach.
A Contribution to Global Hospitality Standards
This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and leadership of IFBEC and its partners. It signals a national commitment to excellence that goes beyond Indonesia and contributes meaningfully to the global effort to raise hospitality standards. Through this event, IFBEC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its role as a platform for collaboration that fosters the creation of an integrated, competitive, and sustainable hospitality industry ecosystemacross the region.
IFBA looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with IFBEC and supporting Indonesia’s continued growth as a key part of the international food and beverage and hospitality community. Once again, congratulations on this significant milestone.
PRESS RELEASE
A Defining Moment for Hospitality: IFBEC Central Java Inauguration Marks a New Chapter in Indonesia’s F&B Industry
Semarang, Indonesia, 26th April 2026
The hospitality landscape in Semarang is entering a new phase of vibrancy and professional momentum, marked by the official inauguration of the Indonesian Food & Beverage Executive Association (IFBEC) Central Java Chapter, a milestone thoughtfully enriched by the inaugural Mixology Competition 2026, held at Layang-Layang Resto.
More than a ceremonial transition, the inauguration signifies the emergence of a structured and forward-looking professional platform in Central Java. It reflects a shared commitment among industry practitioners to elevate standards, strengthen competencies, and cultivate a more collaborative and innovative ecosystem within Indonesia’s food and beverage sector.
The integration of the Mixology Competition into this milestone event added a dynamic and engaging dimension, transforming the occasion into a living expression of creativity and professional excellence. A total of 20 bartenders from Semarang and various regions across Indonesia participated, demonstrating their capabilities across critical aspects of mixology,ranging from technical precision and balance of Flavors to visual presentation and the art of storytelling behind each creation.
In his remarks, Teguh Firmanto, Chairman of IFBEC Central Java (Chef & Beverage Manager -GrandDhika Hotel, Semarang), articulated the deeper significance of the event:
“This is not merely a competition, but a meaningful momentum to build collective spirit in advancing the hospitality industry in Indonesia.”
The event was further distinguished by the presence of a respected panel of industry leaders serving as judges, including I Ketut Darmayasa, Chairman of IFBEC National, also GM-Grand Istana Rama Hotel, Kuta-Bali, alongside Wahyu (Vibe Indonesia), Rifki Sofiyuddin (ADOFB- Koenokoeni Hotel, Semarang), Andi Susanto (OM-Residence Java Living, Semarang), and Pande Wahyu (DOFB-Padma Hotel Semarang). Their involvement not only ensured a high level of professional evaluation but also positioned the competition as a platform of inspiration,bridging emerging talents with seasoned practitioners.
Representing IFBEC National, I Ketut Darmayasa emphasized that this moment extends beyond a single regional milestone:
“The successful inauguration of IFBEC Central Java’s new leadership, thoughtfully complemented by this well-executed Mixology Event, reflects not only operational excellence but also a renewed commitment to strengthening professionalism and advancing the hospitality industry.”
He further highlighted that the establishment of IFBEC chapters across various provinces in Indonesia forms part of a broader strategic vision, one that seeks to build an integrated national platform capable of connecting talents, institutions, and industry stakeholders cohesively and sustainably.
This ongoing expansion reflects IFBEC’s commitment to inclusivity and scalability, ensuring that professional development, knowledge exchange, and industry standards are not concentrated in a single region but are distributed across Indonesia’s diverse hospitality landscape.
From an operational perspective, the event also served as a meaningful convergence point for networking and collaboration. As noted by Andi Susanto, Secretary General of IFBEC Central Java and Operational Manager of Layang-Layang Restaurant:
“The enthusiasm from participants has been extraordinary. This platform not only allows bartenders to showcase their skills, but also creates space for meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.”
As the first initiative of its kind under IFBEC Central Java, the Mixology Competition has successfully positioned Semarang as an emerging node in Indonesia’s evolving mixology scene. With its well-curated concept, professional execution, and strong institutional backing,the event is expected to evolve into a recurring flagship program, one that contributes to the development of high-calibre professionals while reinforcing regional competitiveness.
Looking ahead, IFBEC Central Java is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the hospitality industry in the region. Its presence is not merely organizational, but transformational, aligned with a national movement that seeks to redefine the standards,culture, and future direction of Indonesia’s food and beverage sector.
About IFBEC
The Indonesian Food & Beverage Executive Association (IFBEC) is a national professional organization committed to advancing excellence in the food and beverage industry through collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional development.
With a steadily expanding presence across multiple Indonesian provinces, IFBEC continues to build an interconnected professional ecosystem that empowers individuals, strengthens institutions, and drives sustainable industry transformation.
IFBEC is not merely an association; it is a collective movement of professionals shaping the future of hospitality through excellence, integrity, and continuous evolution.
~END OF PRESS RELEASE~
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