Delayed Again: Halal Certification Must Become a Strategic National Economic Priority

JAKARTA — The government has postponed the implementation of mandatory halal certification until October 2028. Handi Risza, deputy chairman of the Center for Sharia Economic Development (CSED) at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), said the two-year delay should be used to speed up preparations, not put off the work.

“Draw up a road map with annual targets, performance indicators, responsible parties and regular evaluations that are made public,” Handi told Republika in Jakarta on Saturday (17 October 2026).

Handi urged the government to increase support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) seeking halal certification. He said expanding free certification must be accompanied by assistance, education, simpler procedures and certainty over service times.

“Businesses that have met the requirements should not be hampered by bureaucracy,” Handi said.

He also called on the government to strengthen budget allocations and institutional capacity to implement mandatory halal certification. The government, he said, must realistically calculate the funding, support staff, auditors, laboratories and digital infrastructure required.

“Do not set ambitious targets without providing adequate resources,” Handi added.