The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said preparations are under way to supply Indonesian pilgrims with familiar food during the annual pilgrimage, while reducing reliance on imported products from third countries.
Director General of Hajj Economic Ecosystem Development Jaenal Effendi said the government is prioritizing domestic procurement to empower micro, small and medium enterprises and generate broader economic benefits.
“For this year’s Hajj season, we aim to maximize Indonesia’s distinctive spices,” Effendi told reporters at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in Jakarta on Tuesday, adding that 22 spice varieties will be shipped.
The ministry estimates the spice procurement and export process will generate Rp63.36 billion ($3.7 million) in domestic economic circulation, supporting producers, processors and logistics providers across the country.
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Effendi said the government is also preparing 3.9 million ready-to-eat meal packages to serve Indonesian pilgrims while they stay in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, areas where cooking facilities are limited.
He said the ministry has appointed 10 companies each to supply spices and ready meals, noting that all suppliers have received approval from Saudi authorities to export and distribute food products.
“The suppliers have passed export qualifications from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and their products meet Indonesian taste preferences based on testing,” Effendi said.
He said the initiative is expected to open wider opportunities for Indonesian MSMEs, as the government reduces long-standing dependence on food supplies from countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and Australia.
Effendi added that domestic sourcing would strengthen the Hajj economic ecosystem while improving food quality and consistency for Indonesian pilgrims during the peak ritual period.
He said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is determined to ensure that trillions of rupiah allocated for organizing the pilgrimage generate tangible benefits for Indonesian businesses and communities.
Related news: Ministry targets 600 tons of Indonesian spices for the 2026 Hajj meals
Translator: Citro A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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