April 23, 2026 | 03:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, said that ready-to-eat meals for Hajj pilgrims from Indonesia have been equipped with packaging technology so they do not need to be reheated over a fire. According to him, this method is very effective in supporting food service for all Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Arif explained that the technology supporting this method was developed by scientists at BRIN. They use materials such as zeolite and lime to assist the heating process without using fire or electric heaters.
"The food can be heated simply by adding cold water. This technology is safe and has undergone food safety tests. This is very helpful, for example, when in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina, where quick, yet still delicious, food can be provided," said Arif in his written statement on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Arif admitted to having tasted the ready-to-eat meals using this technology. According to him, the served food is indeed hot enough to be enjoyed even when heated without hot water or fire. "We will continue to develop this technology," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Food Security Zulkifli Hasan expressed his support for the research agency's development of food technology. He said that this technology is expected to help serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims with more efficient, safe, and high-quality food in the future.
During a Limited Coordination Meeting discussing the readiness of food supply for the 2026 Hajj in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Zulkifli stated that the food prepared with this technology is not for sale to the public in Saudi Arabia, but only for the consumption of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
He also addressed the issue of ensuring that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have access to safe food, despite the dynamics of global geopolitics. "Despite geopolitical issues, pilgrims do not need to worry about food. Hopefully, food is available at all times and is complete and lacking nothing. Food is safe for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims," he said.
Read: Nearly 6,000 Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Medina
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