The aroma of spices and freshly grilled fish filled the air at the commercial area of the new residential complex in Kawasi Village. In a spirit of togetherness, Harita Nickel held the Obi Food Festival 2025 under the theme “Torang Baku Sedap” (“Let’s Share the Flavor”), as part of its commitment to preserving traditional cuisine while strengthening the local economy. The event, held on October 28, 2025, provided a platform for the community to celebrate both their culinary heritage and regional identity.
The festival became a special moment for residents—especially the women of Kawasi Village—to showcase their creativity and pride in North Maluku cuisine. Five cooking teams competed by preparing dishes using local ingredients and traditional recipes, from fresh fish and local spices to various agricultural products. Each dish was judged for its taste, presentation, and authenticity, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
“Through this event, we hope to encourage the community to love and preserve North Maluku’s traditional cuisine. Food is more than just a meal—it’s part of our cultural identity and a driver for creative economic potential,” said Suryo Aji, Community Development Superintendent at Harita Nickel.
The Kawasi Village Government welcomed the initiative positively. “Let us support Harita Nickel’s efforts to help strengthen the local economy,” said Frans Datang, Secretary of Kawasi Village, in his remarks.
From within the company, Harita Saruma—Harita Nickel’s content creator team—also contributed to the excitement by sharing coverage of the event through their personal social media accounts. Their posts encouraged fellow employees to appreciate local culinary culture and support community-made products sold in the commercial area, aligning with the company’s efforts to revitalize Kawasi’s local economy.
The festival also brought pride to its participants. Lusiana La Jame, leader of the winning team, expressed her joy over their achievement. “This competition motivates us, as mothers, to reintroduce our traditional dishes and turn them into small business opportunities that can improve our family income,” she said enthusiastically.
Beyond the cooking competition, the festival also featured a communal lunch where all dishes prepared by participants were enjoyed together by representatives from Harita Nickel management, village officials, employees, and local residents. The shared meal symbolized genuine collaboration between the company, government, and community.
More than just a culinary competition, the Obi Food Festival 2025 reflects Harita Nickel’s commitment to strengthening community independence and preserving cultural heritage. By involving both residents and employees, the company reinforces that sustainability is not only built through responsible industrial practices but also through the preservation of local values that nurture social life on Obi Island.