Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:40 AM UTC

Indonesia links 13 companies with Saudi partners to supply Hajj needs

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Asep Firmansyah, Uyu Liman

What we need to build is not merely an agreement to supply Indonesian goods, but enduring trust.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has facilitated a business-matching initiative connecting 13 domestic companies with Saudi Arabian importers and two licensed Hajj service providers (syarikah) to supply goods for pilgrims in the Holy Land.

"Through this partnership scheme with the syarikah, we aim to connect domestic producers with importers in Saudi Arabia, enabling Indonesian products to enter the supply chain serving the needs of Hajj pilgrims," Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Yusuf explained that the model represents a strategic shift from previous arrangements, under which the government directly contracted catering kitchens in Saudi Arabia to provide meals for Indonesian pilgrims.

However, he emphasized that market access is only the first step. Domestic producers must also comply with the stringent standards set by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), as well as obtain the necessary clearances from Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).

He stressed that consistent product quality and reliable supplies are essential to maintaining credibility with Saudi partners.

"What we need to build is not merely an agreement to supply Indonesian goods, but enduring trust. Past experience shows that while initial shipments met requirements, subsequent deliveries often suffered from inconsistent quality. Rectifying this must be our collective priority," the minister said.

Yusuf expressed optimism that the initiative would establish viable, long-term commercial ties between Indonesian manufacturers, Saudi distributors, and Hajj service providers. He also revealed that the Saudi government had accepted several Indonesian proposals concerning preparations for the 1448 Hijri/2027 Hajj pilgrimage following his recent working visit to the Kingdom.

Although he did not disclose the specific provisions, Yusuf said the proposals were intended to improve logistical preparations well ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage season.

"Praise be to God, several key points we submitted in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were accepted by the Saudi Arabian government. This marks an important milestone in our efforts to ensure smoother Hajj operations in 2027," he concluded.

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