RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah supported the inaugural export of Indonesian spice pastes by PT Niaga Citra Mandiri to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance the consumption supply chain for Indonesian pilgrims in the Holy Land. It also expands national products’ presence within the broader hajj and umrah economic ecosystem.

The export was facilitated by the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem Development (Ditjen PE2HU). A total of 76 tons of premium spice paste were shipped during the initial export phase. The products are designated to support large-scale catering operations in Makkah and Madinah.

The shipment includes nasi uduk, balado, nasi goreng, nasi goreng kampung, woku, and rujak seasoning variants. These flavors represent authentic Indonesian culinary traditions familiar to most Indonesian pilgrims. The products are specifically prepared for operational kitchens serving Indonesian pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage season.

Director of Partnership Facilitation at Ditjen PE2HU, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Tri Hidayatno, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative. He stressed that the export program is not solely driven by commercial interests. Instead, it forms part of Indonesia’s comprehensive strategy to improve pilgrim services.

“Hajj economy is not only related to worship services, but also to strengthening the national business sector. Through this facilitation, we encourage Nusantara-flavored consumption products to become part of services for hajj and umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Tri explained that Indonesia’s hajj economy integrates religious services with sustainable national industry empowerment. He highlighted ongoing efforts to widen market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The government seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian products in international markets.

“We are committed to opening access, facilitating partnerships, and ensuring national business actors have a strategic role in the hajj economic ecosystem, particularly in Saudi Arabia,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of South Tangerang, Pilar Saga Ichsan, welcomed the export achievement enthusiastically. He described the milestone as a breakthrough for local small and medium industries. He underlined that maintaining export consistency will determine long-term sustainability.

Within the distribution chain, Ali Asia Food serves as a strategic partner operating in Saudi Arabia. The company ensures efficient and timely delivery to pilgrim service kitchens in both holy cities. This collaboration is expected to broaden opportunities for Indonesian MSMEs within the global hajj and umrah market.