Halal means being free from pork and involves all aspects, from raw materials to the production method.
“The halal certification process is extensive, covering everything from materials to production processes,” said Dina Sudjana, Daily Chair of the Salman ITB Halal Center, in a guest lecture for the Value Chain and Halal Operations course at the MSM ITB on Monday (8/7).
Speaking to the class of 2023, Sudjana shared his experience of nearly 35 years in the halal industry, focusing on the complexity of halal regulations in Indonesia. According to Sudjana, the authority to issue halal certification is under the Halal Product Guarantee Administering Agency (BPJPH). This certification covers food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumer goods. Sudjana emphasized the importance of business actors registering for halal certification and explaining the types of products that must be certified.
“It is essential for business actors to comply with halal standards. Non-compliance can result in criminal sanctions,” he stressed.
Due to its complexity, restaurants then implement strict regulations, such as prohibiting bringing in food from outside to maintain their halal certification status. This happened to the Bakso Afung Restaurant. This restaurant has obtained halal certification. Then, a Bakso Afung customer in Bali deliberately ate pork crackers at the restaurant. To maintain the halalness of the restaurant, Bakso Afung then destroyed all cooking utensils contaminated by the crackers.
Hence, Sudjana emphasized that halal is about the raw materials and the entire production process. He also highlighted the role of consumers in maintaining halal standards, encouraging them to report any non-compliance.
“The public has an important role in monitoring halal products. Your vigilance helps ensure products on the market are truly halal,” he said.
The gradual implementation of mandatory halal certification began in 2019 and is expected to be fully completed in 2029. From then on, all products are required to have halal certification to be able to be bought and sold.
