Adus Salam: From Jakarta to Brunei – A Halal Slaughter Expert's Journey

In the past, most butchers were elderly. Now, many young people are showing interest.

“Animal slaughter must not only be halal according to Islamic law but also performed with ihsan. We must not be harsh, let alone cause harm to animals. In the concept of ihsan, there is a value of compassion and animal welfare that must be upheld,” said Adus Salam.

Adus Salam is a halal slaughter expert from Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. He currently serves as a Advisor to the Regional Leadership Council (DPD) of the Halal Slaughterers Organisation (Juleha) in South Jakarta, which was established in 2016.

He joined Juleha Indonesia in 2017, but his passion for animal slaughter began in childhood. The profession was passed down from his parents, who were also slaughterers. From a young age, Adus was familiar with the slaughter process and often observed his parents’ work.

“I watched the slaughter process since childhood and imitated my parents, though it wasn’t directed at first. It wasn’t until I joined Juleha Indonesia that everything fell into place,” he said.

Slaughtering All the Way to Brunei

Adus’s experience with Juleha took him internationally. In 2021, he was selected to fly to Brunei Darussalam after a local expert there needed skilled personnel for a slaughterhouse.

“I was selected from 80 candidates, with only four chosen. Alhamdulillah, I made it and flew to Brunei. We were specifically employed for Eid al-Adha there. Brunei still lacks skilled slaughterers,” he said.

During his two years in Brunei, Adus gained extensive experience and new knowledge about more professional, efficient, safe, and animal welfare-conscious slaughter techniques.

However, his overseas work experience did not make him forget his homeland. In 2023, when his contract ended and he was offered an extension, Adus chose to return to Indonesia. His decision was driven by a desire to share the knowledge he acquired in Brunei with the Indonesian public.