DPR Hajj Oversight Team Confirms Pilgrims' Meals Must Not Be Replaced with Instant Noodles

Jakarta, VIVA – DPR Hajj Oversight Team member Marwan Dasopang has highlighted the uncertainty surrounding meal distribution for pilgrims en route to Arafah. He stated that meals for pilgrims heading to Arafah had not arrived when he visited Sector 6 Towers 1, 2, and 3 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. “Cluster leaders must consider that if we insist on waiting for our entitlements but they don’t arrive, pilgrims will go hungry,” Marwan said in a statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026. “If we are willing to spend our own money on food, that might be the only option,” he added. Marwan revealed that Ready-to-Eat (RTE) or pre-packaged meals had been replaced with instant noodles such as Pop Mie during his inspection. “We have previously stated that replacements must not be limited to instant noodles or Pop Mie. This has long been prohibited due to the risk of causing stomach ailments among pilgrims heading to Arafah,” Marwan said. He added that such food substitutions are unsuitable for pilgrims’ health, stating that instant noodles should not be used as a main meal, only as a supplementary food. Marwan then urged Hajj officials to ensure timely distribution of main meals to prevent pilgrims from consuming instant noodles. “If there is food, say so; if not, say so. We need clarity. If it’s not available, let us find it ourselves,” he said.