Al-Azhar Mosque Uses Bamboo Baskets for Eid al-Adha Meat Distribution
Al-Azhar Mosque’s Qurbani Committee is once again using bamboo baskets (besek) to distribute sacrificial meat, aiming to reduce single-use plastic. Head of Al-Azhar Mosque’s Office, Tatang Komara, said the use of besek has been in place for three years but not yet applied to all recipients.
“For the first phase, we’re using besek. For the past two years, we’ve used them for donors and those nearby. For those further away, due to concerns about blood and other issues, we still use plastic bags,” Tatang said before the slaughter at Al-Azhar Mosque in Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
Tatang added that full implementation isn’t possible yet due to distribution efficiency, especially for distant recipients. “Not 100%, not all,” he added.
To manage queues, the mosque has implemented direct delivery for beneficiaries including government agencies, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), social shelters, and individuals. “We’re now using a direct delivery system, so we deliver. For government agencies here, pesantrens, social shelters, and individuals, we send them. It can be the whole animal after slaughter or pre-packaged meat,” Tatang explained.
This year’s Eid al-Adha saw the mosque receive 14 cattle and 43 goats for internal slaughter, with 27 cattle and 144 goats distributed across the Al-Azhar campus area. Tatang noted a 20% increase in animals compared to last year, including one from the family of former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who served as Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President.
The Jakarta Provincial Government has promoted EcoQurban initiatives for slaughter and distribution, with besek as an alternative to reduce plastic bags. This aligns with Jakarta Governor’s Regulation No. 30 of 2025 on Qurbani Slaughter Guidelines.
Bamboo baskets are chosen for being eco-friendly, free from plastic chemical contamination, and preserving meat freshness longer. The Eid al-Adha ritual presents an opportunity to demonstrate environmental concern.
ABN NasDem plans to distribute Qurbani packages to 2,222 households around its Pancoran headquarters in South Jakarta.