Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammad Irfan Yusuf said the planned volume exceeds last year’s shipment of about 475 tons.
“Last year, it was more than 400 tons, and this year we estimate around 600 tons,” Yusuf said on Thursday.
He explained that the government aims to provide Hajj catering that matches Indonesian taste preferences while meeting nutritional standards to help maintain pilgrims’ health throughout the pilgrimage.
“We recognize that food is one of the key pillars of pilgrims’ health. Performing the Hajj requires strong physical endurance, so proper nutrition is essential,” he said.
To ensure food quality and nutritional value, the ministry has involved various educational institutions and food experts, including universities specializing in food science, hospitality schools, and culinary institutes.
“All measures are taken to ensure both taste and nutrition meet standards. God willing, it is safe, as we apply very strict supervision,” Yusuf said.
He added that the ministry has set clear criteria for food quality, including portion sizes, weight standards, ingredient specifications, and nutritional content.
Yusuf also stressed the importance of improving food packaging and storage in Saudi Arabia, noting that last year’s evaluation found some spices were damaged due to inadequate packaging and storage conditions.
“We ensure that no preservatives are used, because they can alter the taste and cause the food to spoil more quickly,” he said.
Regarding service providers, Yusuf noted that more than ten companies are involved in Hajj catering, including suppliers of spices and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals.
RTE meals are prepared specifically for pilgrims in Arafat and Mina, where food distribution is more limited.
For elderly pilgrims, the government has prepared special menus that are easier to consume, such as porridge and sweet mung bean porridge, with distribution adjusted to their physical condition and needs.
“The distribution will depend on the situation, so that all pilgrims can be properly served,” he said.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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