JAKARTA, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have extended and strengthened their collaboration on halal product assurance by signing an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harmonise certification systems, boost digital integration, and strengthen cross-border recognition.
Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said the amendment builds on the MoU signed in Riyadh on Oct 19, 2023, and reflects both countries’ commitment to developing a credible, transparent and globally competitive halal ecosystem.
“This cooperation strengthens the foundation of the halal systems of both countries through harmonisation of mechanisms, digital transformation, and strengthening of institutional capacity.”
“Indonesia views Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner in building a credible, transparent, and interconnected global halal ecosystem,” he said in a statement issued by BPJPH on Wednesday.
The amendment was signed between BPJPH and the Saudi Halal Centre (SHC) at the Makkah Halal Forum in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Feb 15.
Ahmad Haikal said the enhanced cooperation includes aligning certification mechanisms, integrating digital systems for halal certificate issuance through data and information exchange, and strengthening institutional capacity to support cross-border trade.
He said under Indonesia’s halal product assurance framework, the SHC, which operates under the coordination of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), is recognised as a Foreign Halal Institution, enabling structured cross-border recognition and cooperation.
The agreement also regulates the use of halal logos, particularly the Saudi halal logo, which had been changed to a Global Halal logo with a QR Code replacing the logo stipulated in the 2023 MoU.
“The recognition and inclusion of the logo are carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation and remain subject to the respective national laws and regulations of each country,” he said.
The amendment will take effect from the date of signing for five years and will be automatically renewed with mutual consent.
-- BERNAMA
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