'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