A lot of Indonesian people are able to speak French even though Indonesia is not a Francophone member state. In fact, French has been used in more than 80 countries.

In the Francophonie at Warung Prancis of UMY on Thursday (22/03), participants were invited to know more about French such as French culture and food. The fifth Francophonie brought ‘bon appétit’ as the theme. Director of Warung Prancis of UMY Puthut Ardianto, M.Pd. told that the theme was chosen since participants have a high interest in food. “The Francophonie is an annual event organized by Warung Prancis of UMY, and we think that the theme of this Francophonie is more universal. Promoting France through its language is considered tough,” explained Puthut.

Meanwhile, Director of International Affairs of UMY Yordan Gunawan, S.H., Int.MBA, M.H. stated that culinary diplomacy or gastro-diplomacy stated that are easily to acquainted. “We can know foreign culture from food,” said Yordan. He expected that the Francophonie could run well and the participants could learn French culture.

The Francophonie event series began on Monday with a French class, French games on Tuesday, WPedia (a Wikipedia of Warung Prancis of UMY) Hunting on Wednesday, and the peak of the Francophonie on Tuesday that Warung Perancis of UMY had discussion on Francophonie with a French student Marine Buton. Marine also cooked French food such as croque madamei, a sandwich containing bread, ham or sausage, and cheese.

In addition, the Warung Prancis of UMY was established in 2014 and has become the best Warung Prancis in Indonesia among 36 Warung Prancis institutions cooperating with Institute Francais Indonesia (IFI). Warung Prancis of UMY is now a trend center of Warung Prancis in Indonesia with various programs such as La Chandeleur with the theme “Jour des Crepes” held in February 2017.