On 21st February 2016, iconic Indonesian retailer Sarinah in partnership with renowned beauty brand Mustika Ratu welcomed Miss International 2015, Ms Edymar Martinez and Miss Puteri Indonesia 2016, Ms Kezia Roslin Cikita Warouw to showcase Indonesia’s diverse culture as well as its comprehensive array of heritage products. Sarinah’s President Director Ms Ira Puspadewi as well as Operational Director at Sarinah Ms Handriani Tjatur Setiowati accompanied the international guests during their tour around the Sarinah Thamrin department store as a means of introducing them to its wide selection of locally-made products such as traditional handicrafts. The event was also focused on raising public awareness on the improved safety and security conditions in the Thamrin, Central Jakarta area, and as such served to build upon the momentum of similar initiatives carried out in the preceding weeks (See Sarinah Hosts ‘Pesona Cinta Indonesia’ Event with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism).

As the home of Indonesian heritage, Sarinah offers an abundance of local products ranging from batik, garments, artwork, coffee, and chocolate among other cultural selections and was thus the ideal location to broaden Ms Edymar Martinez’s knowledge of Southeast Asia’s largest market. During her remarks at the event, Ms Edymar Martinez expressed her excitement in visiting Indonesia for the first time and through her trip to Sarinah found greater appreciation for the country’s craftsmen that produce the retailer’s renowned traditional products. Sarinah’s success in welcoming Miss International 2015 demonstrates its readiness to meet the needs of international tourists interested in discovering more about Indonesia as a cultural tourism destination.