Acehnese Culinary Rumored to Contain Marijuana, BNN Conducts Checks

Several iconic Acehnese culinary delights are associated with marijuana. BNN Aceh will carry out laboratory tests.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Beulangong soup is ready to be served in Ateuk Munjeng Village, Baiturrahman District, Banda Aceh City, Aceh Province, on Saturday (15/4/2023). Beulangong soup has a unique flavor that is often associated with the use of cannabis.

BANDA ACEH, KOMPAS — The National Narcotics Agency for Aceh Province will inspect a number of culinary delights in Banda Aceh City because they have often been rumored to contain marijuana. However, it is feared that this step will actually give a negative impression of Aceh culinary scene.

Aceh cultural figure and collector of ancient manuscripts, Tarmizi Hamid, said on Wednesday (May 22, 2024) that the policy of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Aceh to inspect Aceh's cuisine must be managed carefully to avoid adding a negative stigma to Acehnese cuisine.

"There must be proof, whether it was ever obtained. "If this issue spreads, it will be detrimental to Acehnese traders," said Tarmizi.

Also read: Flaming Local Culinary on the Aceh Tourism Stage

Tarmizi stated that in the ancient kingdom era, marijuana was often used as a flavor enhancer or cooking spice. However, in modern times, since marijuana has been classified as a class one drug, the use of marijuana for cooking spice is prohibited.

"Aceh culinary is delicious, but don't directly associate it with marijuana. "You can't make random accusations," said Tarmizi.

Until now, the dishes that have been often stigmatized as containing marijuana are goat curry or beulangong soup. According to Tarmizi, it is a tradition for Acehnese residents to be adept at preparing spices for cooking.

Tarmizi added that in the context of Islamic law implementation, what the Aceh Provincial Government should do is to ensure that all culinary businesses have a halal certificate issued by the Aceh Council of Ulama (MPU Aceh) through the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Assessment Institute (LPPOM).

Head of BNN Aceh Marzuki Ali Basyah said that his party would randomly check Acehnese culinary delights suspected of containing marijuana. According to Marzuki, this step is to remove the stigma of the presence of marijuana in culinary arts in Aceh.

Marzuki said that Aceh would hold the XXI National Sports Week in September 2024, which would be attended by thousands of athletes and guests.

"This program aims to create safe and halal culinary tourism in Aceh so that tourists who come to Aceh can also feel safer," said Marzuki.

Also read: Marijuana "Flows" from Aceh to the JR Band Circle

According to Marzuki, Aceh has now become a drug emergency province. In addition to the circulation of crystal meth, Aceh is also a province that produces marijuana. This stigma has stuck until now.

"This program is also an invitation to the community to work together to fight drugs to create a drug-free Aceh," he said.

Aceh is now a drug emergency province. Apart from the distribution of methamphetamine, Aceh is a marijuana producing province. The stigma persists to this day.

The Head of the Audit and Systematic Manual of Halal Products Assurance Division at the Lembaga Pengkajian Pangan Obat-obatan dan Kosmetika Majelis Permusyawaratan Ulama Aceh, Deni Candra, stated that there was nothing wrong with the policy of the Aceh National Narcotics Agency checking culinary products suspected of containing marijuana.

According to Deni, as a state institution tasked with eradicating narcotics, it is appropriate for BNN Aceh to make various efforts to combat drug abuse.

"However, we must uphold the principle of caution. Don't make accusations," said Deni.

DOK KODIM 0102/PIDIE

Personnel from the 0102/Pidie Military District Command destroyed marijuana found in the hills between Kebun Nilam Village and Ulee Gunong Village, Tangse District, Pidie Regency, on Saturday (3/9/2022). A total of 30,000 marijuana plants were burned.

Deni stated that in issuing halal certificates, they also examine the potential presence of prohibited substances such as marijuana and khamar or alcohol. In addition to examining halal ingredients, processing and presentation must also be in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

However, Deni stated that only a few food establishments have applied for the halal certificate. He hopes that restaurants and culinary businesses in Aceh have the awareness to apply for a halal certificate.

Also read: Aceh Police Seize 300 Kilograms of Marijuana in Nagan Raya, One Perpetrator Arrested