Wednesday, 17 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas officially opened the 5th Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary Week (KHAS) on Friday evening, June 12, 2026. The event took place along Jalan Masjid Raya in Medan Kota District and was inaugurated with the symbolic beating of a traditional bedug drum by the mayor, drawing hundreds of visitors and dozens of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs/UMKM).
The KHAS Week 2026 will run until June 16, 2026, and stands as one of the flagship programs of the Medan City Government aimed at strengthening the culinary sector while reinforcing Medan's position as a leading food tourism destination in Indonesia. A total of 68 selected UMKM culinary vendors are showcasing a wide range of regional specialties, all meeting the standards of halal, safe, and healthy production.
Culinary Identity in the Spotlight
In his remarks, Mayor Rico Waas emphasized that KHAS Week should not be viewed merely as a commercial bazaar. Instead, he said, it must serve as a platform to highlight Medan's distinctive culinary identity.
"This event should not be an ordinary bazaar. There must be a clear distinction that sets KHAS Week apart from other UMKM events. We must showcase Medan's culinary icons," said Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas.
He further stressed the importance of creativity and innovation in presenting traditional dishes in modern formats, noting that such efforts would strengthen both cultural identity and the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs.
Halal, Safety, and Quality as Core Principles
Rico also underlined that the KHAS label-Halal, Safe, and Healthy-is not merely a marketing slogan. The city administration, together with relevant authorities, ensures that all food products comply with strict standards.
"We guarantee that all food served is halal and prepared under hygienic and safe conditions," he stated.
He added that hygiene and food safety have become essential requirements in today's culinary industry, as rising consumer awareness demands higher standards of quality and cleanliness from business operators.
Halal Certification as a Competitive Advantage
The mayor also highlighted the importance of halal certification for UMKM operators, saying it not only provides legal assurance but also increases consumer trust and product competitiveness.
The Medan City Government continues to support entrepreneurs through various assistance programs, including free halal certification services.
"The Medan City Government continues to provide free halal certification through the Cooperatives Office. I urge UMKM actors to take advantage of this opportunity before the quota runs out," Rico said.
This initiative is expected to help local businesses strengthen their market position and expand access to broader distribution channels, including national retail networks.
The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Medan, local police officials, and other government stakeholders, reflecting strong multi-sector support for the development of Medan's halal culinary ecosystem. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
