Antara, Solo – The Festival Pecinan Nusantara, a non-halal culinary event hosted at Solo Paragon Mall in Surakarta, Central Java, has been temporarily suspended amidst controversy.

Veronica Lahji, Chief Marketing Communication of Solo Paragon Mall, announced on Thursday that the mall is unable to confirm the future of the Chinese food festival at this time.

"We are awaiting further guidance from local officials," she said on Thursday.

Witnesses at the scene observed the festival area cordoned off with black curtains this morning, with no patrons in attendance. Vendors were seen attending to their booths. Regarding this, Vero emphasized that vendors must continue to manage their merchandise, especially perishable food items.

However, she assured that no sales transactions were taking place at the festival.

Earlier, the Surakarta Sharia Council (DSKS) met with representatives of the Surakarta City Government to discuss the non-halal food festival at Solo Paragon Mall. DSKS spokesperson Endro Sudarsono urged Muslims not to participate in the event.

The council also raised concerns about the display of notices deemed too explicit. According to Sudarsono, such notices should have been limited and less explicit.

"Due to public concern, this is considered too explicit despite our respect for non-Muslim foods. We cannot impose our will, so it remains a recommendation and a statement of position," he commented.

During the meeting, the council requested the city government to be more selective in granting permissions.

In response, Indradi, Head of the Surakarta City Unity and Political Bureau, clarified that their office did not issue permits for such events.

"Permits for public gatherings are handled by the police. Our bureau does not have the authority in this matter," he explained.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/lifestyle/controversy-halts-nonhalal-food-festival-at-solo-paragon-mal