BPJPH: Protecting Halal Product Guarantees is Crucial in Traditional Markets

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, has highlighted the importance of protecting halal product guarantees in traditional or people’s markets for consumers. “People’s markets hold a strategic position in the product distribution chain, making the level of compliance with halal product guarantees in markets crucial for protecting consumers,” Haikal stated in Jakarta on Wednesday. Furthermore, he encouraged markets to become orderly halal trading venues, where all business actors understand and properly fulfil their halal certification obligations. “This means business actors are compliant, the halal status of products is clear, and the public feels safe and comfortable,” Haikal said. In addition, he reminded that products derived from non-halal materials must clearly state that they are not halal and be separated from halal products to avoid potential cross-contamination. “For example, pork must be separated from halal meat. The standard is like that, so non-halal items are fine, and halal ones are guaranteed,” Haikal explained. In line with the upcoming enforcement of mandatory halal certification in October 2026, Haikal stated that BPJPH will continue to strengthen socialisation, education, literacy, facilitation, and ongoing supervision. “This includes direct assistance to business actors in traditional markets in carrying out halal certification,” he said. This step, Haikal continued, is part of efforts to ensure the optimal implementation of the Halal Product Assurance (JPH) system across the entire supply chain. Moreover, Haikal emphasised that BPJPH is not only present to supervise but also to assist business actors in meeting their halal obligations. “This educational approach is an important part of ensuring the effective implementation of mandatory halal certification in the field,” he said.