Ministry Of Religion Efforts To Distribution Food At The Peak Of Hajj Is Not Constrained

ILLUSTRATION OF UNSPLASH / TASnim Umar

The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) stated that it is trying to ensure that the distribution of food to pilgrims during the peak of Hajj is not hampered due to the closure of a number of roads, through negotiations with the Government of Saudi Arabia.

"We are currently negotiating with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ministries, and with local governments so that transportation carrying pilgrims' food is allowed to pass at the time of closures of roads around Makkah," said Director General (Dirjen) of Hajj and Umrah Implementation (PHU) of the Ministry of ReligionHilman Latief, reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 20.

At the DPR Commission VIII Hearing Meeting (RDP) on the discussion regarding the 2024 Hajj Implementation Readiness, Hilman said that although the peak of the hajj will occur on Dzulhijjah 9, during the pre-peak period and post-peak of the hajj, it is estimated that food carriers for pilgrims will experience problems reaching the congregation due to the closure of a number of roads in Makkah.

Previously, it was known that the catering menu prepared with the taste of the archipelago received a positive response from the participants of Indonesian Hajj candidates who had arrived in Medina Al Munawarah.

Participants of the Hajj candidate from Makassar, Irwan Muhammad Idrus, said that while in Medina they always get a meal on time.

"I think the service has been very good so far. The food is still warm and the taste is according to the tongue," he said.

The matter of menu and taste, according to Irwan, is in accordance with the typical Nusantara tongue taste. "Alhamdulillah, when eating always runs out, there is no remnant," he said.

Irwan hopes that this good service and menu can be maintained until they leave Medina. This is because the menu according to the Indonesian tongue can maintain the fitness of the congregation.

"When we perform worship at the peak of the hajj, we will be in good health," he said.

The distribution, menu, and taste of congregational catering are special attention for Hajj officers because food is an important source for pilgrims in maintaining a healthy body condition.

The person in charge of catering sector 2 Medina Zainul Fattah Akbar explained that his party always ensures that the catering sent by the company is in good condition.

"All the food is still warm and hygienic," said Zainul.

Congregational food is packaged inbox to keep it warm, food is stored in a heating box. To keep the food clean, all catering officers use head coverings, masks, and gloves.