BPJPH Urges Large Industries to Mentor SMEs to Expand Markets and Strengthen Halal Ecosystem

The Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) is promoting the active role of large industries in mentoring micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen the national halal ecosystem while expanding access to markets for halal products. This initiative aims to further develop Indonesia’s halal industry.

This was conveyed by BPJPH Secretary General Muhamad Aqil Irham at the Halal Brand Forum 2026, themed “Building a Value Driven Halal Brand for Muslim Generation,” organised by IHATEC Marketing Research at Hotel Sofyan on Thursday (16 April 2026).

In his presentation titled “Halal as the Foundation of Muslim Generation Lifestyle,” Aqil stressed that halal certification has now become the baseline for market trust. According to him, the future challenge lies in businesses’ ability to optimise the added value of this certification for business growth.

“Halal certification has become the baseline for market trust. The current challenge is how businesses can prove and maximise its added value for business growth,” said Muhamad Aqil Irham in a written statement on Friday (17 April 2026).

He also emphasised that halal aspects are a crucial factor in consumer decisions, especially in the food and beverage sector. In his view, the majority of consumers consider the presence of halal certificates or labels before choosing a product.

“The biggest sanction for businesses is not merely from regulations, but from the market. Consumer trust can be lost when commitment to halal is not maintained,” he stated.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of integrating MSMEs into the halal industry supply chain. According to him, MSMEs cannot develop optimally if they operate independently, so the role of large industries as mentors and connectors in the production process to downstream activities is needed.

In his view, this push for collaboration between large industries and MSMEs is a vital part of developing the national halal industry, which not only focuses on certification but also on strengthening competitiveness, business sustainability, and expanding market access for Indonesian halal products.

“MSMEs must be encouraged to enter supply chains so that their products are sustainable and have added value, even able to penetrate wider markets,” he concluded.

For additional information, the forum also featured speakers Afdhal Aliasar and Binsar Agung Hartanto Sitompul, and was attended by industry players from various sectors, from C-level executives to Brand Managers of companies that won the Top Halal Award.