Indonesia Ensures Halal Protection in Trade Pact with United States

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: Indonesia reaffirmed halal product guarantees within its trade agreement with the United States on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The commitment was conveyed during a meeting at the Central Office of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) in Jakarta. The discussion focused on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between both countries.

The Government of Indonesia stressed that national interests remain protected in every trade deal. This includes halal assurance based on consumer protection and business certainty. The policy also strengthens national industrial competitiveness.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized alignment with sharia principles and national regulations. He underlined compliance with Halal Product Assurance rules. The government ensured that public interests and economic sovereignty are safeguarded.

He explained that halal protection remains a fundamental requirement for imported goods. The mechanism includes a Mutual Recognition Agreement acknowledged by Indonesia. This framework ensures certified products meet national halal standards.

“The halal requirement is absolute, especially for food and beverages entering Indonesia. There is also a halal mechanism through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) acknowledged by Indonesia. Therefore, imported food and beverages are guaranteed halal,” he said.

Indonesia and the United States have established a Mutual Recognition Agreement framework. Indonesia recognizes halal certificates issued by accredited Foreign Halal Institutions in the United States. These institutions must receive recognition from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH).

Currently, five United States halal institutions hold recognition agreements from BPJPH. They are IFANCA, AHF, ISA, HTO, and ISWA through their Halal Certification Department. Indonesia has also implemented similar schemes with around 38 countries.

For agricultural products, Indonesia accepts slaughtering practices complying with Islamic law or SMIIC standards under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. These standards harmonize global halal and metrology regulations. BPJPH has conducted direct audits of halal institutions in the United States to ensure compliance.

“The government will continue coordinating with Majelis Ulama Indonesia as the primary authority for halal matters in Indonesia,” he said.