RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Saudi Arabia strengthen strategic cooperation to build a sustainable Hajj and Umrah supply chain. The initiative was discussed during the Business Matching Indonesia–Saudi Arabia Partnership Forum 2026 in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The forum, themed Building Strategic Partnership for a Sustainable Pilgrim Supply Chain, brought together governments, businesses, exporters, MSMEs, industry associations, and Saudi partners. The meeting aimed to develop an integrated Hajj and Umrah economic ecosystem.

Director General of Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem Development, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Jaenal Effendi, said Indonesia has major potential to supply various pilgrimage needs. He said stronger connectivity and structured partnerships are needed to access the Saudi Arabian market.

"This forum is not only a meeting for business players, but the starting point for building a solid ecosystem. Producers, MSMEs, and Indonesian exporters can enter the Saudi Arabian market in a structured and sustainable way. This is where a strong Hajj supply chain foundation begins," he said.

Jaenal said Hajj catering needs involve various commodities beyond spices and ready-to-eat food. These include rice, fish, meat, vegetables, flour, cooking oil, fresh spices, dairy products, and other food supplies.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah encourages the establishment of export consortiums led by capable exporters. The scheme aims to ensure supply quality, market certainty for producers and MSMEs, and stronger competitiveness of Indonesian products.

The ministry also promotes halal and food safety standard alignment, integrated logistics centers, human resource development, and technology transfer. These efforts support the development of the Indonesia Hajj Food Corridor.

"We want to build an inclusive Hajj economic ecosystem so the benefits can reach farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, MSMEs, and national industries. Indonesia should become not only a consumer, but also a major producer and supplier for global Hajj and Umrah needs," he added.

Through the partnership forum, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are expected to strengthen economic cooperation. The collaboration aims to create a resilient, competitive, and sustainable pilgrimage supply chain.