During this year's Hajj season, demand for the Acehnese specialty, ready-to-eat keumamah fish, experienced a significant surge. One producer, Keumamah Cut Kak, recorded an increase in orders of around 2,000 packages during the Hajj season.
Keumamah Cut Kak founder, Irvadiarni Falka, said this increase occurred both within and outside Aceh. Keumamah products are frequently ordered by prospective Hajj pilgrims as food supplies during their stay in the Holy Land.
"Thank God, there has been a significant increase. During this Hajj month, there are approximately 2,000 packages," said Irvadiarni on Monday, May 18, 2026.
She stated that the average purchase by pilgrims varies, but the minimum order is five packages. Furthermore, her company also accepts special orders from government agencies.
"Some time ago, we also received an order from the Mayor's office for peusijuk (traditional offerings) for Hajj pilgrims in Banda Aceh," he explained.
Meanwhile, most other orders come through marketplace platforms, including from outside the region, such as Jakarta, Palembang, and Kalimantan.
"Those from the marketplaces are also pilgrims from outside Aceh, such as Jakarta, Palembang, Kalimantan, and others," he added.
Keumamah, or wooden fish, is a traditional Acehnese culinary dish made from tuna that is boiled, dried, and cooked with typical Acehnese spices. This product is a choice for Hajj pilgrims because it lasts a long time, is practical, and is easy to consume without needing to be reheated.
This Hajj season, Keumamah Cut Kak's production has increased from the usual 1,500 packages to up to 2,000 packages, with various sizes ranging from travel size to 500 grams.
Prices range from IDR 35,000 to IDR 180,000, depending on the size and flavor options, including original and spicy. The product has a shelf life of six months at room temperature and up to one year if stored frozen.
This increased demand has also resulted in a significant increase in business turnover. From the usual Rp 50 million per month, during the Hajj season, it can increase to Rp 60–70 million.
"Indeed, demand is very high during this Hajj season, as many pilgrims bring provisions from their respective regions," he concluded.[]
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