Istiqlal Implements Data-Driven System for Targeted Eid al-Adha Sacrificial Meat Distribution

Masjid Istiqlal has implemented a data-driven distribution system to ensure sacrificial meat for Eid al-Adha reaches the most in need. ‘Insya Allah, no aid will go to the wrong recipients as we have a name and address-based registry,’ said Minister of Religious Affairs and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar on Tuesday. The minister explained that meat distribution would not occur directly at Istiqlal but through community mosques under its management. Additional recipients include orphanages, Islamic boarding schools, universities, religious study groups, and Islamic organisations. The system aims to ensure the essence of the sacrifice is felt by vulnerable groups with limited access to nutritious food. ‘The meat will be given to those in dire need. Many Indonesians struggle to access or consume meat,’ he added. Beyond distribution management, the minister highlighted hygiene and environmental sustainability in the slaughter process. He noted that Istiqlal’s slaughter area was designed with modern facilities from its inception by Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno. ‘At Istiqlal, the slaughter facilities were planned from the start by Bung Karno, an engineer who ensured all mosque-related infrastructure, including slaughter areas, was built,’ the minister said. In line with eco-theology initiatives, waste management during the sacrifice will prevent environmental pollution, including river contamination. The minister urged organisers to promptly clean slaughter remnants and use animal waste as fertiliser. ‘Insya Allah, there will be no pollution, not a single drop of blood will flow into rivers,’ he added.