The aroma of grilled fish, roasted kenari nuts, and yellow fish broth fills the settlement areas of Kawasi and Soligi villages on Obi Island. In simple kitchens, local women turn seafood and Obi's signature staples into flavorful dishes. Each dish also carries a story about regional identity.
That atmosphere came alive at the Cooking Festival 2026, themed "Women Create, Cuisine Goes Global: Creations of Signature Obi Dishes and Snacks (Kue)." Six women's groups from Kawasi and 10 from Soligi competed with creativity to present regional specialties. The menu ranged from papeda (sago porridge), ikan kuah kuning (fish in yellow broth), and kasbi santan (cassava in coconut milk) to gohu ikan (a raw fish dish). Snacks (kue) made from sago and kenari nuts were also on the table.
The excitement of the 2026 Cooking Festival in Soligi Village.
More than a competition, the event gave women a space to develop their creativity. It also helped them see the potential in what is close to their daily lives. Fish, sago, cassava, spices, and kenari nuts are not only part of culinary tradition. They can also be developed into products with economic value.
Deputy Department Head of Technical Support Amirudin of Harita Nickel, who also served as a judge, said community development needs to go hand in hand with the company's growth. According to Amirudin, local culinary riches can be one gateway to encouraging community self-reliance.
"The company's growth must go hand in hand with the community. Local wisdom, such as Obi's culinary riches and spices, can be developed into potential that brings benefits and encourages community self-reliance," said Amirudin.
Bambang Bakir, Head of the Community Welfare Section of the Kawasi Village Government, shared a similar view. Bambang hopes activities like this will not stop at being a competition. Instead, they can grow into a space to introduce the potential and local wisdom of Kawasi and Soligi villages.
"Don't let this stop at being just a contest. We hope activities like this continue to grow so that Kawasi's local potential and wisdom become better known," said Bambang.
Participants also felt the benefits directly. Tina, one of the participants who won first place, said the event helped strengthen bonds among residents.
"Before, we were just at home. Now we have an activity and can get together. The women who were not close before now know each other," said Tina.
Through local food, Obi women have found a space to create and to open up business opportunities. Obi cuisine is now more than dishes on the dining table. It is a regional treasure ready to be introduced to a wider audience.
Dishes prepared to be judged by the jury at the 2026 Cooking Festival in Kawasi Village.
In Kawasi, the group Mina Kita won first place and Al Hijrah took second. Resep Rahasia and Sapa Ramadan shared third place. Pemuda Putri Kawasi and UKM Propala received Honorable Mention 1 and 2, respectively.
In Soligi, winners in the Traditional Dishes category were Majelis Taklim Nurul Hidayah (first place), Usaha Wanita Tani (second), and Asri (third). Kompak and Emak-emak received Honorable Mention 1 and 2, respectively.
In the Traditional Snacks or Cakes (Kue) category, Mawar A won first place, followed by Majelis Taklim Nurhidayah B in second and Ubur-ubur in third. Indah and Semangat Wanita Tani received Honorable Mention 1 and 2, respectively.