Strengthening the Halal Ecosystem: 352 Halal Slaughterers in Bangka Belitung

Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative for Bangka Belitung Province remains committed to strengthening the halal ecosystem in the region. One concrete step taken is increasing the number of halal slaughterers (Juleha) to 352 individuals. Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for Bangka Belitung Province, Rommy S. Tamawiwy, stated that this number is certain to continue growing each year. This effort is carried out through strategic cooperation with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Babel Province and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) for the certification process of animal slaughterers. “Currently, there are 352 Juleha in Babel spread across all regencies and cities. This number will continue to increase, especially since this year’s theme for the sixth Bangka Belitung Islamic Economy and Finance (BEKISAH) is Halal,” said Rommy on Tuesday (7/4). The sixth BEKISAH event this year will be centred at Masjid Kubah Timah in Pangkalpinang. In addition to focusing on slaughter personnel, BI Babel is also realising a Halal Center by facilitating cooperation between UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung and IAIN Abdurahman Sidik Babel. “With the existence of this Halal Center, we continue to strive to promote the sharia economy through the BEKISAH programme, from Masjid Kubah Timah to zero point Pangkalpinang,” added Rommy. Besides the upstream sector in animal slaughter, BI Babel also targets the downstream sector, namely UMKM culinary products. To date, 352 UMKM in Bangka Belitung have obtained halal certificates. Regarding the Mandatory Halal October (WHO) policy, Rommy provided notes on business actors’ readiness. “We will see whether it meets the October 2026 target or is delayed again, considering many UMKM still do not have halal certificates,” he stated. To support the acceleration of the halal ecosystem in Bangka Belitung, BI Babel has prepared significant funding allocations. These funds are allocated to finance various certification and mentoring programmes, ensuring products from Bangka Belitung meet sharia standards and can compete in wider markets.