Agus Gumiwang: Halal Certification for Ceramics to Unlock Export Opportunities
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita is optimistic that fulfilling the mandatory halal certification requirement for ceramic tableware products will increase the added value of small and medium-sized industrial products in the global market.
“Strengthening the halal industry not only meets the needs of the large domestic market but also opens up wider export opportunities,” Agus said in a written statement on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The mandatory halal certification for consumer goods, including ceramic tableware, will take effect in October 2026.
Agus stated that the mandatory halal certification is regulated in Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024. This certification is an important step in protecting consumers while also increasing the competitiveness of national products.
The Golkar politician believes that halal-certified products demonstrate that they have met global standards for safety, hygiene, health, and quality. Thus, Agus is confident that SMEs that have halal certification can improve quality assurance, which is very useful in the international market.
Director General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, emphasized the importance of halal certification for tableware products because they come into direct contact with food.
She also believes that halal certification can be a gateway to increasing market penetration in export markets to the Middle East and ASEAN countries. Reni noted that the value of Indonesia’s ceramic tableware exports in 2025 reached US$12.68 million. The main markets are the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and China.
In the same year, the value of exports of these products to the United Arab Emirates was recorded at US$254,000, to Saudi Arabia at US$223,000, to Malaysia at US$108,000, and to Brunei Darussalam at US$17,000.
Meanwhile, Director of Chemical, Textile, and Craft Industries, Budi Setiawan, stated that Indonesia has significant potential in developing the ceramic tableware industry.
According to him, the availability of local raw materials, the skills of artisans, and the wealth of culture-based designs are the main strengths in producing unique, high-value, and competitive products in the global market.
Previously, the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Various Industries held an event entitled “Innovation Assistance and Preparation for Halal Certification of Ceramic Tableware” on April 28-30, 2026, at the BBSPJI Ceramics and Non-Metallic Minerals Building, Bandung.
This event was attended by 10 SMEs engaged in ceramic tableware from West Java, including Purwakarta Regency, Bandung Regency, Cirebon Regency, and Bogor Regency.
During the assistance event, participants received training from experts from BBSPJI Ceramics and Non-Metallic Minerals regarding policies and regulations on halal product assurance, the process and stages of certification, identification of raw materials and production processes in accordance with halal standards.
Then, training on design innovation, product development, and strategies to improve product quality and competitiveness.