BPJPH Chief Visits MUI, Denies US Products Can Enter Indonesia Without Halal Certification
The Chairman of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Haikal Hasan, has affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s halal regulatory sovereignty, including with regard to products originating from the United States. He made the statement during a courtesy visit to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 23 February 2026.
Haikal confirmed that no US products may enter Indonesia without undergoing halal certification mechanisms in accordance with prevailing legislation. He stressed that claims suggesting certain products had been given exemptions from halal certification were false and had the potential to cause public unrest.
“That is completely wrong, absolutely wrong. There is no way we would trample on our own national sovereignty to satisfy others — it is simply impossible,” Haikal said before MUI’s senior leadership, as reported on MUI’s website on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
According to Haikal, anyone still claiming that US products are entering Indonesia without halal certification is seeking to discredit the country and stir up discord.
“Stop using such tactics. Live healthily, justly, and with conviction, always maintaining good faith. There is no way we would trample on our sovereignty to fulfil the desires of a handful of people. It is simply impossible,” he asserted.
He emphasised that the government could not possibly permit US products without halal certificates to enter Indonesia, as the government upholds the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the state to protect the entire nation and all of Indonesia’s territory. “Remember, the state exists to guarantee and protect the nation and all of Indonesia’s territory,” he stressed.
Haikal’s visit was received directly by MUI Deputy Chairman KH Cholil Nafis, MUI Treasurer KH Misbahul Ulum, MUI Halal Division Chairman KH Masyhuril Khamis, and MUI Deputy Secretary-General for Halal Affairs H Rofiqul Umam Ahmad.
Meanwhile, MUI Deputy Chairman KH Cholil Nafis stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening coordination and fraternal ties between BPJPH and MUI, whilst also discussing a number of strategic issues, including reports of a trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States.
According to Cholil, the discussions were important to ensure that every trade policy remains aligned with prevailing laws and regulations, particularly regarding mandatory halal certification through BPJPH.