Ahead of October 2026 Halal Mandate, BPJPH Opens Dialogue on Cigarette Legality

The Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haekal Hassan, has opened a space for more in-depth dialogue regarding the legal status of cigarettes ahead of the implementation of the October 2026 Halal Mandate. Known affectionately as Babe Haekal, he believes that differing views on the legality of cigarettes can serve as an opportunity to strengthen communication and unity.

These statements were made by Babe Haekal during an online discussion forum held via Zoom at the MUI Central Office, Jakarta, on Thursday (24/09/2026). He expressed his desire for the issue of cigarette legality to be discussed more thoroughly, particularly by involving various perspectives from figures and stakeholders.

“I also very much want us to have a deep discussion about what the legal status of cigarettes actually is,” said Babe Haekal during the forum.

Babe Haekal then recounted several views he had heard from various parties when discussing the legal status of cigarettes. He mentioned that there are figures within Muhammadiyah who believe that cigarettes should be ruled as haram.

“For the Muhammadiyah community, Buya said, let it just be haram,” he said.

He also admitted to asking about the issue to a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKB Faction, Maman Imanulhaq. However, according to Babe Haekal, he received a different perspective.

“But when I asked for the opinion of Mr Maman, Maman Imanulhaq, PKB, Commission VIII, Mr Maman said, just let it be halal, Be,” he remarked.