Indonesia Ensures Smooth Supply of Ready-to-Eat Meals for Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Trade, through the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Riyadh, has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the flow of ready-to-eat meal exports to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season 1447 Hijri.

In a statement from Jakarta on Friday, May 22, 2026, Trade Attaché Zulvri Yenni explained that the ministry had facilitated export hurdles faced by PT Halalan Thayyiban Indonesia (PT HATI), enabling the delivery of nearly 360,000 meal portions for pilgrims in the Holy Land.

“This step is crucial to ensure food supplies for Indonesian pilgrims during the Hajj,” Zulvri said, as quoted by Antara.

The facilitation included accelerating the issuance of Certificate of Origin (SKA) Form B in Indonesia, shortening sample testing duration by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and expediting customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.

The exported products feature a variety of Indonesian dishes such as beef black pepper rice, balado beef rice, chicken curry rice, chicken opor rice, chicken semur rice, beef semur, beef rendang, and balado beef.

All items are certified halal by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and carry health certification from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). The shipments are currently undergoing inspection at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

Zulvri highlighted the scale of demand, noting that Indonesian pilgrims require at least one million portions of ready-to-eat meals annually, making smooth distribution and reliable supply chains essential.

“The Trade Ministry's facilitation of ready-to-eat meal exports is also part of efforts to strengthen the penetration of Indonesian halal and processed food products into the Saudi market. This commitment will continue for future Hajj seasons,” he added.

Currently, around 180 varieties of Indonesian ready-to-eat meals are available for exporters and importers to meet the needs of pilgrims. Each product must carry halal and health certification while maintaining the distinctive taste of Indonesian cuisine to ensure comfort and well-being for pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

This initiative not only secures food supplies for Indonesian pilgrims but also reinforces Indonesia’s position in the global halal food market, showcasing the country’s culinary heritage and strengthening trade ties with Saudi Arabia. ***