Indonesian Hajj Kitchens Highlight Cleanliness and Authentic Flavor

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has assured that kitchens serving Indonesian pilgrims in Safwat Al Wessam, Walyal Ahd District, Makkah, meet strict standards of quality, hygiene, and authenticity - bringing the familiar taste of Nusantara to the Holy Land.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Moch Irfan Yusuf said in a statement on Sunday, February 15, 2026, that senior officials directly supervised and inspected the active kitchens to ensure food services run optimally and hygienically.

“Cleanliness is the primary focus of this supervision. All storage areas must remain clean and safe, with checks covering the kitchen, cooking process, and packaging stages,” he explained, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that Indonesian spices and rice will be used to prepare meals, ensuring pilgrims enjoy dishes with flavors they recognize from home. “We have asked that Indonesian rice be processed according to the standards applied in Indonesia, so that the texture and taste remain consistent,” Irfan added.

Through direct oversight, the ministry aims to maintain professional food service standards that prioritize the comfort of pilgrims during their worship in Makkah. The ministry also stressed that food supply must match the number of pilgrims, with production capacity and distribution accuracy carefully monitored.

These measures, Irfan noted, are designed to guarantee that every meal provided not only meets hygiene requirements but also delivers tangible benefits for the wellbeing of Indonesian pilgrims throughout the Hajj season. ***