Speaking at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory here on Wednesday, the ministry's inspector general, Faisal Ali Hasyim, said that initially, the plan was to provide food twice a day, namely at noontime and evening, due to a budget cut by the House of Representatives (DPR).
"However, the (religious affairs) minister (Yaqut Cholil Qoumas) requested for breakfast to still be provided in the morning even though the portion may not be as big as noontime," he added.
Hasyim then issued some directions to 1,234 participants of the Integrated Technical Guidance of the Ministry of Health for the 2023 Hajj Pilgrimage Implementation Officers.
To retain the breakfast service for pilgrims, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is making cost efficiencies, such as reducing hotel expenses, to divert funds for breakfast, he explained.
The step is being taken because the ministry understands that breakfast—though it would be simpler this year—is very important for Indonesian pilgrims so that they can perform worship activities properly.
This year, 221 thousand Indonesian Hajj pilgrims will take part in the pilgrimage, comprising 203,320 regular Hajj pilgrims and 17,680 special Hajj pilgrims. Thus, as many as 25 million boxes of food will be provided to 203,320 regular Hajj pilgrims.
He reminded Hajj officers, especially those who have been tasked with providing food services, to pay attention to catering risks, such as stale food or food that does not meet standards, because they can significantly affect pilgrims' satisfaction.
"I hope there are no pilgrims who do not eat. If there are pilgrims who do not eat, immediately seek feedback on what is lacking," Hasyim said.
In 2022, the Hajj pilgrims' satisfaction index stood at 90.45, and this year, the government is targeting to increase it to 93.
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Translator: Nur Istibsaroh, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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