PHNOM PENH – The Indonesian Embassy held the Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia (Indonesian Night Market) on the busy Walking Street near the center of the capital, which offered a combination of cuisine and cultural performances to people on a leisure walk.  

During the opening ceremony on Nov. 15, Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto called the event “a night of friendship celebration” meant to bring together the ambassadors and the international and Cambodian community in Phnom Penh to enjoy the cultural connection that was also meant as a tourism promotion.

“Music, dance, and food are universal languages,” he said. “Through them, we hope that Cambodian visitors can connect with Indonesian culture in a memorable and joyful way.”

The ambassador noted the potential of the Chaktomuk Walking Street for such events as thousands of people—including himself—come every weekend to walk leisurely while exploring the variety of items on display for sale.  

“So, I wished we could do an event here with the Indonesian people, products, dancers and singers, to introduce [them] to the Cambodian people,” Santo said. He added that he hopes that the night market will further create a bridge between Indonesian and Cambodian people, reminding them of their similarities.  

This initiative was also meant to introduce Indonesian products to the public in Cambodia. Held on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, the Indonesian night market has consisted of 12 booths with different elements of Indonesian culture ranging from famous dishes and drinks to items related to healthcare and traditional clothes.

Katoeu Mohammad Nossry, secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism, joined the event. “The night market reflects not only creativity and partnership but also the longstanding friendship and solidarity between Cambodia and Indonesia,” he said.

“Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia serves as a dynamic platform that advances our shared tourism objectives through cultural diplomacy and economic engagement,” Nossry said, adding that there has been an encouraging growth in visitor exchanges, investment cooperation and mutual capacity-building between the two countries. 

Speaking of the night market in general, Nossry said that it has helped strengthen the local tourism ecosystem by attracting visitors, stimulating foot traffic, and supporting small businesses and community livelihoods along Chaktomuk Walking Street.

As for the Indonesian market, he said, the market has helped promote the country, inspiring potential tourists by introducing them to Indonesian cuisine, performances, handicrafts and hospitality as a whole. And this also reinforces Phnom Penh’s growing reputation as a vibrant, welcoming, and multicultural metropolis where international events and cultural festivals can be hosted, he added.

The night market enriches the city’s cultural landscape, offering Cambodians a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Indonesian traditions, culinary delights, artistic expressions, and diverse heritage, Nossry said.

Ambassador Santo said that such an event will lead Cambodians to be more aware of Indonesian products. He added that he hopes to see in the future a Cambodian Night Market held in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.

The two-day event included performances by young Indonesian artists who helped create a festive atmosphere as people explored the market. The program included students of the Indonesian Cultural Center in Phnom Penh, Dangdut performances by Indonesian singer Fire Amanda, and an Indonesian–Khmer fusion set by DJ Osvaldo Nugroho.