In an effort to support the development of MSMEs in Semarang, the Central Java LPH LPPOM and the Semarang City Cooperatives and MSMEs Office officially signed a Cooperation Agreement, which includes technical guidance (bimtek) for halal certification. This agreement covers audit preparation services, product halal inspections, and improving MSMEs’ understanding of the implementation of SJPH.
The signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was carried out directly by the Director of LPH LPPOM Central Java, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Rofiq, MA, and the Head of the Semarang City Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Office, Margaritha Mita Dewi Sopa, SE, MM. This collaboration represents a strategic step in strengthening the halal ecosystem in Semarang City, while addressing the needs of MSMEs to expand their market reach.
By 2025, this halal certification program will focus on 100 MSMEs in Semarang City. A variety of businesses participated in this program, including meatball and bakery establishments, catering services, satay businesses, and snack and beverage vendors. Before the audit, the companies participated in a technical guidance workshop held on September 15-16 at the Pandanaran Hotel in Semarang. This technical guidance provided essential training for them to thoroughly understand the halal production process and the implementation of SJPH.
In her remarks, Margaritha Mita Dewi Sopa, S.E., M.M., Head of the Semarang City Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Office, emphasized the local government’s commitment to providing concrete support for MSMEs. “The Semarang City Government is committed to strengthening micro-enterprises and the sustainable use of local resources in Semarang City,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Director of the LPH LPPOM, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Rofiq, MA, emphasized the importance of halal certification as a gateway to the global market. “This halal certification is crucial as an added value for MSMEs ready to go international and become major entrepreneurs. All one hundred entrepreneurs will receive halal certification, provided they follow the procedures,” he said optimistically.
Support also came from the Chairman of Commission B of the Semarang City Council (DPRD), H. Joko Widodo, SAk, who attended the event. He emphasized the importance of effective marketing strategies for MSMEs and encouraged entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. He stated that halal certification provides added value that can increase the competitiveness of MSMEs in both domestic and international markets.
Not only did the government and certification bodies welcome this program, but business owners did as well. Tirta Mukti Minanda Putra, a tofu and meatball entrepreneur, expressed his appreciation. He thanked them for the assistance they had received in obtaining halal certification and expressed his commitment to maintaining production processes in accordance with halal standards on an ongoing basis.
As a form of ongoing support, the LPH LPPOM provides intensive mentoring to entrepreneurs. MSMEs can access customer care services through the Call Center at 14056 and WhatsApp at 0811-1148-696. In addition, the Halal Assurance Agency (LPH LPPOM) regularly holds free Halal Certification Introduction Classes (PSH) every second and fourth week. Complete information about these classes can be accessed through the official website: https://halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal.
Consumers are encouraged to be more discerning when selecting halal products, not just businesses. Halal verification can be easily completed through the official website at www.halalmui.org or the Halal MUI app, available on the Google Play Store. For further information on halal regulations and national policies, please visit the official BPJPH website at https://bpjph.halal.go.id.
With this synergy between the local government, certification bodies, and businesses, it is hoped that Semarang’s MSMEs will become more competitive, not only in the local market but also globally. This halal certification program not only guarantees the halal status of products but also paves the way for MSMEs to grow more sustainably and support Semarang’s vision as a hub for halal industry development in Indonesia. (DILA/YN)
