Indonesia Builds Stronger Halal Ecosystem Ahead of Mandatory Certification

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) is advocating for the strengthening of Indonesia’s national halal ecosystem to support the country’s goals of achieving food self‑sufficiency and sovereignty.

BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said food sovereignty involves more than ensuring food availability; it also requires the state to guarantee that products circulating in the market are safe, healthy, high‑quality, and halal.

“The food we consume must be available and meet standards that guarantee safety, health, quality, and halal status for the public,” Haikal said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Haikal said strengthening the Halal Product Assurance (JPH) system provides consumers with certainty when choosing products, while offering added value and competitiveness for businesses.

He noted that certification, examination, testing, inspection, and JPH support services all contribute to the growth of the national halal ecosystem. These services have the potential to drive economic activity and strengthen the halal industry.

BPJPH has also issued Regulation No. 4/2026 concerning conformity assurance for foreign halal products entering Indonesia. The regulation ensures that imported halal products circulating in the country comply with JPH requirements.

Haikal emphasized that recognizing foreign halal certificates, establishing conformity assurance mechanisms, and strengthening oversight are essential ahead of the October 2026 implementation of the Mandatory Halal Certification policy.

“We want Indonesia to be a self‑reliant and respected nation--open to global trade yet capable of setting and enforcing its own standards,” he said.

He added that a strong halal ecosystem will protect the public, provide certainty for businesses, and enhance the competitiveness of the national halal industry. ***