Indonesia, Saudi Arabia take concrete steps to build sustainable Hajj economy

Indonesia is deepening its economic diplomacy with Saudi Arabia by focusing on the Hajj and Umrah sector. This effort was materialized through the "Business Matching Indonesia–Saudi Arabia Partnership Forum 2026," organized by the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Trust Association (ASHURI) in Jakarta.

The forum convened government officials, exporters, importers, logistics companies, Hajj and Umrah service providers (syarikah), investors, and business actors from both nations. The primary goal was to foster sustainable business partnerships and enhance the integrated supply chain for pilgrims between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Participants were encouraged to explore trade, investment, and logistics collaborations to expand the use of Indonesian products and services within the Hajj and Umrah economic ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

The event received support from key government figures, including Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Dr. KH. Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, and the Director-General of Hajj and Umrah Economic Ecosystem Development, Prof. Dr. H. Jaenal Effendi. Their presence underscored government backing for public-private collaboration in creating a more robust, efficient, and sustainable Hajj and Umrah supply chain.

A delegation of Saudi Arabian companies, including importers, logistics firms, and catering service providers (Syarikah), engaged directly with Indonesian producers and exporters. This facilitated discussions on trade and investment opportunities. Prominent Indonesian participants included UMKM Indramayu Berkah Sejahtera (regional products), Dapur Batari (spices), PT Baba Pangan Indonesia (food exporter), PT Sadewa Ekspres Logistics (international logistics), Kelompok Petambak Patin & Nila Tulung Agung (aquaculture products), and CV Fadafood (premium rice and spices). These companies demonstrated Indonesia's readiness to supply quality food products meeting the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.