Indonesia Denies Halal Exemption Rumors on US Goods

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya moved to silence growing speculation regarding trade concessions, categorically denying reports that American products would be granted a "free pass" into the Indonesian market without adhering to strict national standards.

In a written statement released late Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Cabinet Secretary addressed circulating misinformation suggesting that US goods might bypass Indonesia’s rigorous halal certification and public health protocols. He clarified that while trade relations remain a priority, the legal framework governing consumer safety remains non-negotiable.

“Is there a claim that US products can enter Indonesia without halal certification? To put it briefly: That is not true,” Teddy Indra Wijaya stated, as quoted on the President's official website, directly challenging the rumors.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the Indonesian government is maintaining a firm stance on its statutory requirements, ensuring that all products mandated by law to be halal-certified must continue to meet existing regulations. He noted that the origin of the product does not exempt it from the mandatory labeling process required for consumer protection in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.

“Products that are mandatory to be halal-certified must carry a halal label, whether it comes from a halal body in the US or a halal body in Indonesia,” the Cabinet Secretary explained.

To facilitate trade without compromising standards, Teddy highlighted the role of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). This international agreement serves as a bridge for global cooperation, allowing for the standardization and mutual recognition of halal certificates within a defined national regulatory framework.

Under this agreement, certifications from specific American institutions, such as the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) and Halal Transactions of Omaha (HTO), are recognized, provided they align with the criteria set by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH).

Beyond dietary requirements, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the healthcare and beauty sectors remain under strict oversight. He reaffirmed that cosmetics and medical devices must still secure marketing authorization from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) before they can be legally distributed or sold to the public.

“The government ensures that Indonesia-US trade policies do not eliminate the obligation to meet national standards, including halal provisions and consumer protection,” the statement continued.

Concluding his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary urged the public to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely solely on official government channels for updates on trade policy. He reiterated that the integrity of Indonesian national standards remains the priority in all international trade negotiations. ***