Uproar At Nasi Padang Warung Using Pork, Fadli Zon: Ruining Minang Culinary Principles!

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon. (Between)

JAKARTA - Gerindra Party politician Fadli Zon criticized the Padang rice stall that sells pork in the Kelapa Gading area, North Jakarta. According to him, the culinary creations violate the halal principle in Minang cuisine.

Fadli said his criticism was conveyed as a member of the board and chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM).

"As the General Chair of the Minang Family Association (IKM), we strongly protest against the sale of Minang/Padang culinary delights using pork. This is sensitive and undermines the principles of halal Minang/Padang culinary," Fadli said via his Twitter account @fadlizon, Friday, June 10

Fadli explained the principles that Minang people hold in their work, including creating culinary delights considering traditional and religious rules. This is in accordance with the traditional Minang ancestral proverb.

"Minang/Padang cuisine is known as halal culinary. Moreover, the Minang people principle "custom is based on syarak, syarak is based on the Book of Allah," he said.

According to Fadli, rendang as part of Minang cuisine has been recognized worldwide. If the presentation does not use halal meat, Fadli questions this.

"Rendang has also been recognized by the world as one of the most delicious foods made from halal meat. If someone uses pork, it will obviously hurt the Minang/Padang people," said Fadli.

Previously, the Padang rice stall went viral selling pork on social media. According to information received, the restaurant provides a variety of Minang specialties made from pork. The location is in Kelapa Gading Timur, North Jakarta.

The owner of the Padang rice stall also promotes through a food delivery application where various Minang dishes are clearly displayed with the words non-halal, grilled pork rice, pork rendang rice, pork curry, and other menus.

The emergence of the Nasi Padang stall selling pork was responded to by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria. According to Riza, the menu at a typical Minang restaurant should all be halal.

"Then, if you want creativity, that's fine, but don't hurt others," said Riza at DKI City Hall, Central Jakarta, Friday, June 10.