MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, has called for the 2026 edition of Pekan KHAS organized by Majelis Ulama Indonesia Kota Medan to be made more spectacular and impactful for the community. He emphasized that the annual event should evolve into a platform for promoting halal tourism while strengthening Medan's culinary identity.
Rico Waas delivered the statement during an audience meeting with officials from
MUI Medan at the Mayor's official residence on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The meeting discussed preparations for Pekan KHAS, which stands for Kuliner Halal, Aman, dan Sehat (Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary Week), traditionally held to welcome the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram.
The audience was attended by MUI Medan Chairman Hasan Matsum, the secretary-general, the organizing committee chairman, and the treasurer. They presented updates on preparations for the event, which will mark its fifth edition since it was first launched in 2021.
Read Also: Medan Mayor Backs Local Film ‘Samudera’ by Young Filmmakers Hundreds of Halal Tenants ExpectedHasan Matsum explained that Pekan KHAS 2026 will take place from June 12–16, 2026, featuring various Islamic and educational activities for the public. During the meeting, MUI Medan also invited Rico Waas to officially open the event.
"Alhamdulillah, public enthusiasm has been extraordinary. Around 130 tenants have already registered, while the available capacity is only 85 tenants. All participating tenants are halal-certified and free of charge," Hasan Matsum said.
In addition to the halal culinary bazaar, the organizing committee is preparing a series of supporting programs, including Pildacil competitions, Nasyid contests, a Nasi Kebuli cooking competition, and talk shows on halal tourism and halal certification in Medan.
Read Also: WeLoveU Foundation Donates 100 Sets of School Furniture to SDN 066654 Medan After Devastating Flood Other activities will include Haflah Al-Qur'an performances and a Fun Walk offering attractive prizes for participants.
Rico Waas Calls for Innovation
Rico Waas praised
MUI Medan for consistently organizing Pekan KHAS every year. However, he stressed the importance of conducting evaluations to ensure the event continues to grow and improve.
"Thank you for this initiative. Every program needs evaluation from previous implementations. Last year's event was already good, but this year it has to be even more spectacular," Rico Waas stated.
Read Also: Medan Mayor Leads Massive Cleanup at Teladan Stadium Ahead of AFF U-19 Cup During the meeting,
Rico Waas was accompanied by Head of the Medan Cooperatives, SMEs, and Trade Office Hendra Ridho, Head of the Social Welfare Division Agus Maryono, Head of the Youth and Sports Office T Chairuniza, and Head of the Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries Office Ahmad Untung Lubis.
According to Rico Waas, Pekan KHAS must develop a stronger identity through unique, healthy, and halal-certified culinary specialties that reflect cultural value. He also suggested that the event venue should be made more representative and easier for the public to recognize.
"We must identify culinary specialties that truly stand out, whether it is Sate Padang, Nasi Kebuli, grilled goat dishes, or others. I strongly emphasize that only genuinely healthy and halal-compliant food and beverages should be presented," he said.
Medan Aims to Strengthen Halal Tourism
Read Also: Rico Waas Aims to Make Pesparani a Prestigious Annual Event in Medan Rico Waas hopes Pekan KHAS can become a platform for promoting the diverse culinary traditions that have flourished in Medan. According to him, the term "KHAS" can be used to introduce traditional specialties from across the Indonesian archipelago that are represented in the city's multicultural society.
"The event should not feel like a routine activity. Pekan KHAS must have deeper meaning. The term KHAS can be utilized to showcase specialties from various regions that exist in Medan," he emphasized.
He expressed optimism that Medan's rich diversity of halal-certified culinary offerings could strengthen the city's image as a halal tourism destination known for its flavors, culture, and diversity.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
Read Also: Medan Mayor Warns of Online Gambling Surge as OJK Chief Bids Farewell