Medan’s non-halal meat ban draws criticism from impacted traders in Indonesia

MEDAN, North Sumatra – Medan’s recently issued ban on roadside sales of non-halal meat has met backlash as critics condemned the policy as discriminatory towards non-Muslim vendors and a threat to the North Sumatra capital’s multicultural identity.

Mr Lamsiang Sitompul, a representative of a local pork traders’ community, called on mayor Rico Waas to revoke the ban, warning that vendors would stage a rally in front of the mayor’s office and the local Regional Legislative Council building if the policy is not withdrawn.