'Halal' stickers for MUI

'Halal' stickers for MUI

From Republika

The government's plan to impose halal (permissible under Islamic law) labeling/certification requirements on food products, as reported by this daily, is a waste of time. Food product inspection and labeling should be left to the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), as has been the case so far.

As a Muslim, I object to the government's plan for the following reasons. First, producers will bear higher costs for the halal labeling/certification because of the many institutions involved. Foods, drinks and drugs with government labels would thus be more expensive.

Second, corruption, collusion and nepotism are still frequently found in government agencies, so these practices are likely to affect the process of labeling.

Third, I would suggest that before planning to impose this requirement, the Ministry of Religious Affairs should first make itself halal in its performance. For instance, in organizing the haj pilgrimage it should use the service of sharia banks instead of conventional banks.

M. Fathan Mubina Jakarta