LPPOM: Halal ecosystem strengthens Indonesia's position on the global Islamic economy stage

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Lembaga Pengkajian Pangan, Obat-obatan, dan Kosmetika (LPPOM) asserts that the halal ecosystem and values can strengthen Indonesia’s position on the global Islamic economy stage. “(Therefore) The government continues to promote the strengthening of the domestic market through facilitation of branding, quality standardisation, and international business matching,” said LPPOM’s President Director Muti Arintawati in her statement in Jakarta on Friday. She stated that based on the 2025 global report, Indonesia ranks third in the world in the Islamic economy sector with halal exports reaching $64.42 billion. One form of strengthening the halal ecosystem, Muti continued, is through programmes to improve the class and access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that play a central role in the national economy. “Since it was initiated in 2021, the programme (such as) the Syawal Festival focuses on encouraging MSME actors to upgrade through halal certification, education, and supply chain strengthening,” said Muti. According to her, the empowerment of micro and small businesses must be carried out comprehensively to have strong competitiveness. “For us, empowering MSMEs is not just about issuing halal certificates, but equipping them to upgrade,” she said. Meanwhile, by 2025, the Syawal Festival has recorded educating nearly 10,000 participants and facilitating certification for more than 1,500 MSMEs. On the other hand, the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan reminded that halal is an important foundation in nation-building and maintaining the quality of life of the community. “Halal food is not just a choice, but the main barrier in maintaining quality of life,” he said. In line with that, the Deputy General Chairman of MUI K M Cholil Nafis emphasised the importance of caution towards modern food products. “Halal determination must go through strict audits by professionals and remain the authority of scholars in synergy with the government,” said Cholil.