Eko Sulistyo
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or Lebaran, in Indonesia has long been characterized by a deeply rooted culinary canon featuring staples such as ketupat, opor ayam, and rendang. However, the 2026 holiday season witnessed a notable departure from these conventions at the residence of Indonesian musician and socialite Maia Estianty. During her annual "open house" event held on the second day of Lebaran, Thursday, March 26, 2026, Estianty introduced a menu that leaned heavily toward international fine dining, sparking significant discourse across social media platforms regarding the evolution of holiday traditions among the nation’s elite.
While the spirit of silaturahmi—the traditional act of visiting family and friends to strengthen bonds—remained the cornerstone of the gathering, the gastronomic offerings were designed to reflect a more cosmopolitan palate. The event, which has become a fixture in Jakarta’s high-society calendar, showcased a blend of Japanese, Italian, and European influences, effectively transforming a traditional religious holiday gathering into a high-end culinary experience.
A Departure from Tradition: The International Menu
The centerpiece of the 2026 open house was not the traditional large pot of coconut-milk-based stew, but rather a sophisticated spread of Japanese delicacies. In a video shared via the social media account @ssmedia_id, Maia Estianty provided a tour of the catering stations, highlighting the family’s preference for raw and refined flavors over the heavy, spice-laden dishes typical of the season.
"We have tuna sushi and salmon sushi, as usual, a family favorite," Estianty remarked while showcasing the meticulously prepared platters. The inclusion of sushi—a dish that prioritizes freshness and delicate preparation—stands in stark contrast to the slow-cooked, rich profiles of Opor or Rendang. For many observers, this choice signifies a shift in lifestyle preferences among Indonesia’s upper class, where health-conscious and internationally-influenced diets are increasingly taking precedence even during traditional festivities.
Beyond the sushi stations, the menu featured a variety of fusion and Western dishes. One notable item was the oxtail-filled croquettes. This dish represents a sophisticated take on the traditional Dutch-influenced Indonesian snack, replacing the standard minced meat or vegetable filling with rich, slow-cooked oxtail, thereby bridging the gap between local ingredients and European culinary techniques. For dessert, the household moved away from traditional sweets like lapis legit or nastar, opting instead for a classic Italian Tiramisu and assorted fresh salads, further cementing the international theme of the day.
The Luxury Element: Cheese Wheels and Truffles
A recurring highlight of Estianty’s Lebaran hosting, which has gained legendary status among her followers, is the inclusion of a "cheese wheel pasta" station. This specific dish involves tossing freshly cooked pasta inside a hollowed-out wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese, a spectacle often reserved for high-end Italian trattorias.
According to Estianty, this has become a mandatory tradition for her family over the past several years. The cheese wheels are often reported to be imported directly from Europe to ensure authenticity. To elevate the dish further, it is frequently served with shaved truffles—one of the world’s most expensive culinary ingredients. The use of truffles, which Estianty identifies as a personal favorite, underscores the "luxury" branding of her household. In the context of an open house, where volume and hospitality are key, the provision of such premium ingredients reflects the significant logistical and financial investment the family places on their holiday hosting duties.
Family Dynamics and the Presence of "Prospective Daughters-in-Law"
The 2026 open house was not merely a culinary exhibition; it also served as a significant public family gathering. The event was attended by Estianty’s sons—Al Ghazali, El Rumi, and Dul Jaelani—and, notably, their respective partners. The presence of actresses Syifa Hadju and Tissa Biani garnered particular attention from the media and fans alike.
In Indonesian social circles, the invitation to a family Lebaran gathering is often viewed as a formal acknowledgment of a serious relationship. Both Syifa Hadju and Tissa Biani were seen interacting warmly with the extended family, reinforcing their status as "calon menantu" or prospective daughters-in-law. The inclusion of these high-profile figures added a layer of celebrity intrigue to the event, making it a trending topic on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The warmth displayed between Estianty and her sons’ partners suggested a cohesive family unit, a narrative that Estianty has carefully cultivated since her marriage to businessman Irwan Mussry.
The Influence of Irwan Mussry and the Sate Padang Exception
Despite the overwhelming lean toward international cuisine, the event did not entirely abandon Indonesian flavors. This was largely due to the specific request of Estianty’s husband, Irwan Mussry. A prominent figure in the luxury retail industry as the CEO of Time International, Mussry is known for his sophisticated taste, yet for this Lebaran, he requested a quintessential Indonesian dish: Sate Padang.
"My husband’s request was Sate Padang," Estianty noted. This detail provides an interesting insight into the household’s dynamics. While the overall theme was modern and global, the presence of Sate Padang—a dish known for its bold, spicy sauce and grilled meat—served as a nod to the cultural roots of the hosts. It also highlights a common trend among the Indonesian diaspora and elite: the "comfort food" factor. No matter how many international delicacies are available, the nostalgic craving for local spices remains a powerful element of the Lebaran experience.
Chronology of the Event and Social Media Impact
The open house took place on the second day of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah celebrations. Unlike the first day, which is typically reserved for immediate family and visits to elders, the second day is often when larger social circles are invited.
- Morning: The family held a private internal gathering and performed traditional "sungkeman" (asking for forgiveness from elders).
- Afternoon: The catering teams prepared the specialized stations, including the sushi bar and the imported cheese wheel.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Guests, including extended family and celebrity friends, began arriving. It was during this period that the social media content was filmed and subsequently uploaded.
- Post-Event: The footage of the menu went viral within hours, with netizens comparing the spread to that of a five-star hotel or a high-end gala.
The reaction from the public was a mixture of admiration and curiosity. Many commenters expressed a desire to attend such a "halal bihalal" (post-Eid gathering), noting that the menu felt like a refreshing change from the usual heavy holiday food. Others analyzed the cost and effort involved, noting that such a spread is only possible for a fraction of the population, thereby highlighting the socio-economic divide in how holidays are celebrated in the capital.
Broader Implications: The Evolution of "Lebaran Luxury"
The shift toward international menus at celebrity open houses like Maia Estianty’s reflects a broader trend in Indonesian urban society. As the middle and upper classes become more globally connected, their domestic celebrations are reflecting a "fusion" identity.
1. The Professionalization of Hosting
Celebrity open houses are no longer just informal gatherings; they are curated events. From the choice of catering to the interior decor and the "social media-ready" presentation of food, these events serve as a form of personal branding. For Estianty, who has successfully transitioned from a music icon to a symbol of "elegant living," the international menu reinforces her brand as a woman of global tastes.
2. Culinary Globalization
The presence of sushi and pasta at a Lebaran table suggests that these dishes are being integrated into the Indonesian concept of "special occasion food." Much like how the Dutch croquette became the Indonesian kroket decades ago, we are seeing the "Indonesianization" of sushi and pasta as they become staples in local celebrations.
3. The Balance of Tradition
The insistence on Sate Padang by Irwan Mussry demonstrates that even in the most modern households, the "local soul" of Lebaran is rarely completely discarded. This balance—90% international and 10% iconic local—seems to be the new formula for the modern Indonesian elite.
Conclusion
Maia Estianty’s 2026 Lebaran open house serves as a case study in the modern evolution of Indonesian holiday traditions. By blending the luxury of imported truffles and fresh sushi with the warmth of a traditional family gathering, she has created a template for "modern silaturahmi." While the menu may differ from the traditional ketupat and opor found in the majority of Indonesian homes, the underlying purpose remains the same: to open one’s doors, share a meal, and foster connections with loved ones. As 2026 continues, this blend of global luxury and local heart is likely to remain a defining characteristic of high-society celebrations in Jakarta.
