Explanation Of The Director General Of Hajj Regarding Termination Of Catering Services Ahead Of And After The Peak Of Hajj

Workers check food before it is distributed to worshipers at the Ahla Zad Company Catering Company in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday (4/6/2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Wahyu Putro A/YU)

JAKARTA - Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religion Hilman Latief said the temporary suspension of catering services for Hajj participants is almost occurring in every hajj season.

"Because the problem is the same, congestion and traffic are congested before and after the peak of the hajj that hinders the distribution of congregational catering," Hilman said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, June 15.

Previously, the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) temporarily suspended catering services at 7, 14, and 15 Zulhijah. In that time, Hajj participants can buy food and drinks around the hotel.

Meanwhile, for the 8'13 Zulhijah, catering services were provided 16 times in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna).

Hilman said that during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Hajj, consumption services were also temporarily suspended for five days, namely at 5, 6, 7, 14, and 15 Zulhijah.

According to him, until now the Hajj officers continue to inform the temporary suspension of catering distribution policies to the participants of the Hajj pilgrimage.

This is done so that the congregation does not ask questions or get confused during the temporary suspension of catering services.

Director of Hajj at the Ministry of Religion Arsad Hidayat Arsad Hidayat said that early socialization is expected so that the congregation understands it and can prepare independently by buying food from a number of traders who sell near the hotel.

Arsad emphasized that the temporary suspension of the catering also applies to the elderly (elderly), so they must also prepare themselves.

"This (temporary cessation of catering) for all, including the elderly. They must prepare themselves. Even if the elderly cannot prepare themselves, then the assistants must help so that the elderly can still consume food," said Arsad.