Central Java MUI’s LPPOM Urges Support for Halal Certification among Micro and Small Businesses
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Central Java Institute for the Assessment of Food, Drugs and Cosmetics of the Indonesian Ulema Council (LPPOM MUI) is urging stronger support for halal certification among micro and small businesses (UMK), to help business owners understand the requirements and overcome obstacles in the application process.
LPPOM Commercial and Partnership Director Muslich said in a press release in Jakarta on Wednesday that awareness-raising about mandatory halal certification needed to be accompanied by guidance, so businesses could prepare documents and know what steps to take when they encountered difficulties.
“Many do not know, and many face difficulties but do not know how to resolve them. Our task, therefore, is to help them understand the process and provide guidance when problems arise,” he said.
Muslich said the obstacles to halal certification were not limited to administrative matters, but also included business owners’ preparedness, the availability of halal-certified raw materials and access to financing.
He said education should be ongoing so that micro and small businesses not only knew certification was mandatory, but also understood the requirements and the steps needed to meet them.
The adjustment to the transition period for mandatory halal certification, announced by the government on 16 October 2026, also presents an opportunity for businesses to prepare to meet the requirements for their respective product categories.
Several categories, including food and drink products from micro and small businesses, as well as slaughtered products and slaughtering services, have been granted an adjusted transition period until 17 October 2028, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Muslich stressed that businesses should use this time to prepare documents, verify information about raw materials and seek advice if they encountered difficulties with certification.
Meanwhile, Central Java MUI Chairman KH Noor Achmad said the regional working conference (Mukerda) was an opportunity to strengthen coordination and cooperation across the organisation, from the national to the regional level.
“The first aim of this event is to consolidate and build synergy. We also want to strengthen the Indonesian Ulema Council throughout Central Java and align our efforts from the national level to the regions,” he said.
Central Java LPPOM Director Ahmad Rofiq called on MUI officials in regencies and cities to take an active role in informing businesses and the public in their areas about halal certification.
He said the organisation’s regional network could be used to broaden the reach of education and help businesses obtain the information and guidance they needed.
The awareness-raising event, held as part of the Central Java MUI regional working conference, was also attended online by MUI and LPPOM representatives from various parts of Indonesia.
Through collaboration with MUI and other stakeholders, LPPOM Central Java hopes that education and guidance will help micro and small businesses meet halal-certification requirements and strengthen consumer confidence in their products.