The Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta plans to export packaged gudeg to Saudi Arabia as part of the meal options for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims during their religious journey in the Holy Land. Head of Disperindag DIY, Syam Arjayanti, mentioned that interest in gudeg from Indonesia has been expressed by buyers from Saudi Arabia due to its potential as a food choice for pilgrims. "The market potential is extraordinary," Syam stated. To facilitate this export plan, Disperindag DIY will collaborate with gudeg associations in Yogyakarta, particularly to meet the certification requirements for exporting food to Saudi Arabia. Packaged gudeg intended for export must have a shelf life of at least 1 to 1.5 years and meet specific certification standards required by Saudi authorities. Syam highlighted the necessity of cooperation among gudeg traders to fulfill potential large-scale demands, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons when the demand for gudeg is expected to surge significantly, considering Indonesia's large number of pilgrims. In case gudeg is not immediately included in the official catering menu for Hajj and Umrah, Syam noted that Saudi Arabia is prepared to market Yogyakarta's specialty food more broadly through retail outlets and hotels across the country. Countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and Africa are emerging as alternative export destinations recommended by Disperindag DIY, particularly in light of the sluggish economies of the United States and the European Union, traditional export destinations

Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4175151/disperindag-diy-berencana-ekspor-gudeg-ke-arab-saudi