Jusuf Kalla Supports PRIMA DMI Halal Centre Launch Ahead of 2026 Mandatory Halal Certification

Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has backed the launch of the Halal Centre by the PRIMA DMI (Youth Association of the Indonesian Mosque Council) to strengthen halal literacy and support the implementation of the mandatory halal policy set to take effect in October 2026. Kalla made the announcement during a meeting with PRIMA DMI’s central leadership at his residence in Brawijaya, South Jakarta, on Sunday, 31 May. The PRIMA DMI delegation was led by Secretary-General Affandi Ismail Hasan, alongside several officials including Digital Literacy Director RM Indra Syahfirman, Youth Director Hotmartua Simanjuntak, and PRIMA DMI Halal Centre Director Raden Ahmad Nabhan. At the meeting, Affandi outlined plans to celebrate PRIMA DMI’s 11th anniversary, coinciding with the Halal Centre’s launch as a strategic initiative to enhance public understanding of halal products. ‘We are using PRIMA DMI’s 11th anniversary as an opportunity to boost halal literacy among mosque youth, making a tangible contribution to the government’s 2026 mandatory halal policy goals for the welfare of the community and consumer protection,’ Affandi said. In response, Jusuf Kalla expressed his support for establishing the Halal Centre, stating that the principles of halal and thayyib (wholesome) not only benefit Muslims but also ensure product quality, safety, and goodness accessible to all. Meanwhile, PRIMA DMI Halal Centre Director Raden Ahmad Nabhan said the institution aims to assist the public, particularly micro and small businesses (UMK), in meeting halal certification requirements. Nabhan added that the Halal Centre’s role is crucial as of 18 October 2026, when all food, beverages, slaughtered products, and food ingredients will be required to have halal certification. ‘The Halal Centre will act as a Halal Product Process Assistance Agency (LP3H), helping micro and small businesses register their products through the free Halal Certification programme (SEHATI),’ he said. He hopes the PRIMA DMI Halal Centre will serve as an educational and advisory resource for the public to understand the importance of halal certification and encourage businesses to promptly secure product certification. ‘We aim to raise awareness among businesses, especially MSMEs, to obtain halal certification before the 2026 mandatory policy deadline. The earlier businesses prepare, the greater the benefits for consumer protection and product competitiveness,’ he added. PRIMA DMI is an autonomous body under the Indonesian Mosque Council, established at Istiqlal Mosque on 27 May 2015. The organisation focuses on nurturing mosque youth, promoting religious outreach, education, digital literacy, economic empowerment, and strengthening the national halal ecosystem.