The Tourism Destination Study Program of Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) successfully organized the 3rd Pandalungan Culinary Festival, reaffirming its commitment to preserving local culinary heritage while strengthening the creative economy through tourism. Held at Jember Town Square (JTC), the two-day festival attracted students, culinary entrepreneurs, local communities, and visitors to celebrate the rich gastronomic traditions of the Pandalungan region.

Carrying the theme "Spicy, Cheerful, and Joyful", this year's festival highlighted the diversity of Indonesian sambal by presenting more than 100 varieties of sambal created by students and local culinary businesses. The event provided a unique platform for visitors to experience authentic flavors while learning about the cultural significance of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

The festival served as more than a culinary exhibition. It became an educational platform where students applied their knowledge through project-based learning by planning, organizing, and managing a large-scale public event. Through direct engagement with industry practitioners and local communities, students enhanced their professional competencies in event management, tourism promotion, hospitality, and creative entrepreneurship.

During the opening ceremony, POLIJE Director Saiful Anwar emphasized that the festival reflects the institution's dedication to promoting local wisdom while preparing graduates with practical skills relevant to the tourism and hospitality industries. He noted that higher education should not only produce competent graduates but also contribute to preserving Indonesia's cultural identity through innovative educational activities.

The festival also strengthened collaboration between POLIJE, local government, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and tourism stakeholders. By providing opportunities for local culinary businesses to showcase their products, the event contributed to expanding market access, increasing public appreciation for traditional cuisine, and supporting regional economic development based on local resources.

In addition to culinary exhibitions, visitors enjoyed interactive activities, cultural performances, and educational sessions that enriched their understanding of Pandalungan culture. The lively atmosphere demonstrated how gastronomy can become a powerful tourism attraction while fostering community participation and cultural preservation.

For the Tourism Destination Study Program, the festival represents an effective implementation of experiential learning. Students were directly involved in every stage of the event, from concept development and promotion to operational management and visitor services. This hands-on experience equips them with industry-ready competencies and strengthens their ability to develop sustainable tourism destinations in the future.

Through the successful organization of the 3rd Pandalungan Culinary Festival, POLIJE continues to demonstrate its leadership in vocational education by integrating education, culture, tourism, and community empowerment. The festival not only celebrates Indonesia's rich culinary heritage but also reinforces POLIJE's vision of producing innovative graduates who contribute to sustainable tourism development and the advancement of the nation's creative economy.