BPJPH Reminds MSMEs That Halal Certification Can Boost Global Competitiveness
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) continues to encourage micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to take advantage of halal certification facilitation programmes ahead of the mandatory halal implementation on 18 October 2026. The Head of BPJPH, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, emphasised the importance of halal certification in improving business quality, competitiveness, and expanding market access.
He made these remarks while serving as a speaker at the ‘MSME Insight’ Talk Show, themed ‘Legality and Standardisation: The Foundation for MSMEs to Level Up and Compete’, held at SMESCO Labo, Jakarta, on Wednesday (17/6/202<0xA0>6). The event also featured key stakeholders committed to strengthening the national MSME and halal ecosystem, including the Deputy for Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of MSMEs, Bagus Rachman, and BRI Product Department Head, Antonius Aris Bangun Prasetyo.
During the session, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, affectionately known as Babe Haikal, reminded MSE operators of the halal certification obligation that will be fully enforced this coming October. He added that halal certification should not be viewed as a burden or an obstacle, but rather the opposite.
“Halal is not just about religion; it has become a universal standard acceptable to anyone. Halal is a ‘Booster for the Growth Economy Engine’. If we are not orderly with halal, we will be left behind,” said Babe Haikal in a written statement on Friday (19/6/2026).
According to him, the halal aspect is part of business transformation because it involves more than just meeting regulations; it encourages Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to compete in broader markets. The halal aspect in MSMEs is considered capable of improving product quality, business governance, and consumer trust.
“Halal is not just a change, but a transformation. The transformation of MSMEs towards halal is a transformation towards businesses that are more prepared, more trustworthy, and more competitive. When a product is halal, it means the product has met the standards that make it worthy of competing and marketable, not only domestically but also in the global market,” he added.
Importance of the Halal Concept in Enhancing Business Competitiveness
Babe Haikal added that amidst global trends prioritising sustainability, health, and product quality, the halal aspect is a crucial factor in maintaining consumer trust and increasing competitiveness. Currently, the halal concept is deemed relevant as it encompasses aspects of cleanliness, safety, quality, and sustainability.
He also stated that strengthening the national halal ecosystem is part of the vision to make Indonesia a global halal barometer. This can be achieved through collaboration between stakeholders and the massive transformation of MSMEs.
“Our goal is not merely to increase the number of halal certificates, but to make Indonesian Halal a global standard and barometer. Therefore, the transformation of MSMEs towards halal must be a collective movement,” he asserted.
Bagus Rachman, Deputy for Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of MSMEs, expressed similar sentiments. He highlighted the importance of building a national halal ecosystem through collaboration between relevant parties, and how halal certification can serve as a selling point to increase MSME competitiveness.
“When MSMEs enter the halal ecosystem, the products produced not only meet domestic market needs but also have a greater opportunity to be accepted in international markets. Halal is a vital part of building MSMEs that level up and possess global competitiveness,” he explained.
In addition to government representatives, BRI Product Department Head Antonius Aris Bangun Prasetyo also supported the strengthening of the halal ecosystem. He stated that BRI continues to maintain its commitment to supporting MSME actors through financing programmes and assistance to simplify the halal certification process.
Through this event, BPJPH invites all MSME players to immediately process their halal certification and utilise available facilitation programmes, given the approaching implementation of the Halal Mandate in October 2026. This call emphasises strategic steps to help MSMEs increase competitiveness, expand market access, and become part of a globally competitive Indonesian halal ecosystem.