INDONESIA MANDATES HALAL CERTIFICATION FOR CHICKEN SLAUGHTERHOUSES

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, May 5 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian Trade Ministry has mandated halal certification for all chicken slaughterhouses beginning this October to ensure poultry product quality and compliance.

Minister Zulkifli Hasan underscored the importance of these new guidelines, which cover various aspects of slaughtering and processing, in adhering to halal standards.

These guidelines align with the government’s decision for all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the culinary sector to obtain halal certification by October.

In a statement, Zulkifli said: "The decision aims to boost consumer confidence, particularly among Muslim consumers, and to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian products globally."

He emphasised the urgency of implementing mandatory halal certification, stating readiness should be a priority.

"Halal certification is crucial. If not now, then when? We can’t afford to wait indefinitely," he added.

On April 1, Cooperatives and SMEs Minister Teten Masduki expressed concerns that meeting the deadline for halal certification might be challenging, especially for SMEs in the culinary sector.

The Religious Affairs Ministry’s Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) is expediting the halal certification process via the "Mandatory Halal by October 2024" campaign since last year.

The campaign educates business owners, stakeholders and the public about the legal requirement for the certification for products circulating in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Islamic population.

It aligns with the first phase of mandatory certification starting this October, covering three product groups, food and beverage (F&B), raw materials and additives, and slaughter services and products.

Last month, the BPJPH conducted on-the-spot halal certification registration events at 5,040 locations.

It also conducted integrated monitoring programmes in the upstream sector at 1,068 locations, including F&B facilities and slaughterhouses in 34 provinces.

-- BERNAMA