UMKM Activists: Halal Certification Boosts Consumer Confidence and Helps Break Into Retail and Export Markets
The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Board (BPJPH) organised a Halal Product Bazaar during Ramadan at its headquarters in East Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026. The event was part of BPJPH’s initiative to strengthen and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) producing halal products.
The Halal Product Bazaar attracted numerous UMKM operators who showcased diverse products, ranging from snacks and beverages to bakery items, biscuits, traditional Indonesian dishes, and various herbal products. Beyond serving as a direct sales venue, the bazaar functioned as a strategic promotional platform to expand market access for halal UMKM products.
Hayati, an herbal product entrepreneur, shared that her herbal business has obtained free halal certification from BPJPH through the self-declaration halal certification scheme. She reported that this certification has demonstrably increased consumer confidence and accelerated product sales.
“After obtaining the halal certificate, our products are more trusted by consumers and sell faster,” she stated in an official statement received by Kompas.com on Monday, 2 March 2026.
With growing market confidence, her butterfly pea flower herbal products have begun penetrating international markets and have been exported to Turkey, with further exploration underway into Middle Eastern markets.
Jelita, another participant, highlighted that halal certification has become a primary requirement in modern retail, whilst simultaneously serving as a value-added element that strengthens partnership trust. She noted that the halal certification process is relatively swift and straightforward, significantly aiding business development.
Runny, a bazaar participant and producer of various sambal and homemade cakes, also expressed appreciation for BPJPH’s organisation of the event, noting that the opportunity to participate in a bazaar at a government institution provided distinct advantages for his business.
In response to testimonies from UMKM operators, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of BPJPH, confirmed that halal certification functions as a strategic instrument to enhance business competitiveness. He emphasised that the halal certificate is not merely a regulatory compliance formality but rather an investment in consumer trust.
“When a product carries halal certification, consumers feel safe and confident. This opens up opportunities to enter modern retail chains and export markets,” he stated.
“SMEs are the backbone of the national economy. We want these enterprises, once halal-certified, to upgrade their operations and compete in global markets and penetrate export sectors,” he affirmed.