BRIN Develops Ready-to-Eat Food Technology to Support Hajj Services
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing ready-to-eat food technology to support food services for Hajj pilgrims. This technology was presented by BRIN Head Arif Satria during a limited coordination meeting discussing preparations for Hajj food provision in 2026, today.
Arif stated that this food technology is being developed at BRIN in various forms, such as canned food, flexible packaging, and flameless heaters, which are currently the focus of BRIN’s development.
“This is indeed technology that has been developed in our research company, namely food packaging technology. Starting from canned food, flexible packaging including for saucy meat, to flameless heating technology. The latter is what we will continue to develop in the future,” said Arif in a written statement on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
He explained that with this technology, food can be heated simply by adding cold water, without needing a water heater. The technology uses materials such as zeolite, lime, and others.
“This technology is safe and has undergone food safety testing. So food can be heated without fire. This will be very helpful, for example during Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna), where we can get quick meal servings, but still delicious,” he added.
Arif has even tasted the ready-to-eat food using this technology. According to him, the served food is quite suitable to enjoy.
“This technology will continue to be developed by us. Our main basis is food safety and food security, ensuring it contains no harmful substances, and supported by other technologies,” said Arif.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) appreciated the food technology support developed by BRIN, especially in food packaging to make it more durable before entering the distribution and trade stages.
He stated that with the support of food technology innovations from BRIN, it is hoped that Indonesian Hajj pilgrims’ consumption services in the future will be increasingly efficient, safe, and high-quality. Nevertheless, Zulhas emphasised that the food sent is specifically for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims and not for circulation within Saudi Arabia.
“It should be noted that the food is only for our pilgrims’ consumption, not for circulation within Saudi Arabia. If for circulation, there are other requirements that must be met. However, as long as it is for pilgrims and meets our standards, including halal and BPOM permits, it can be sent directly,” he said.
The PAN General Chairman also assured the availability of food for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims is secure, even amid global geopolitical dynamics.
“Regarding Hajj pilgrims’ consumption, the condition is safe. Even though there are geopolitical issues, pilgrims do not need to worry about food. Food is available at every serving time, insyaallah complete enough and not lacking anything. Food is safe for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims,” he concluded.