Indonesian Council of Islamic Scholars Confirms Trade Deal Breaches Law Over Halal Certification Exemptions
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Council of Islamic Scholars (MUI) has expressed critical concerns regarding the reciprocal trade agreement, which removes the obligation for halal certification of imported American products.
The MUI firmly believes that the absence of halal certification requirements for imported American products clearly contradicts several provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations, as it fails to guarantee halal products for the public.
“Based on our assessment, there are several points in the agreement that we believe are not in line with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations, particularly regarding the guarantee of halal products,” said KH Aminudin Yakub, Deputy Secretary-General of MUI for Fatwa, as quoted by MUI Digital on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Aminudin highlighted several provisions in the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) that are considered inconsistent with the guarantee of halal products. These provisions are included in Articles 2.22, 2.8, and 2.9 of the ART.
These provisions regulate the certification of cosmetic products, medical devices, and manufactured goods, which are exempted from the obligation of halal certification when entering Indonesian territory.
Furthermore, Article 2.8, concerning shredded used clothing, and Article 2.2, which regulates shipping and packaging services, are also excluded from certification requirements. Additionally, Article 2.2 does not require the presence of a halal supervisor within the company.
“We are critical of the Indonesia-America ART, which was signed by President Prabowo and President Trump. In these articles, there are several points that we strongly criticize. There is also a critical point regarding halal, as it is part of the mandatory requirements that must be halal certified,” he said.
According to Aminudin, Law No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance clearly mandates halal certification for all products circulating in Indonesia, including food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and manufactured goods.