At the edge of the country, BPJPH halal certification is a bridge of hope. In Krayan, on the Indonesia-Malaysia border, halal certification is not just a standard; it is the key to economic access and community welfare. Through the dedication of the North Kalimantan LPPOM, justice is brought to the outermost reaches of the country.
On a map of Indonesia, Krayan may appear as little more than a small dot in the northernmost corner of Kalimantan. But for those who have set foot there, Krayan is a story of steadfastness, limitations, and persistent hope. This outermost district in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, borders Malaysia and sits at an altitude of approximately 900 meters above sea level.
The nature is stunning, the air is cool, but the terrain is never easy. From Tarakan, the journey must be made by sea, air, and land, a long route that drains energy and patience. It is in this quiet region, far from service centers, that devotion finds its truest meaning.
Two auditors from the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) of the North Kalimantan LPPOM, Dr. Sukamto and Ir. Solikhatin has completed their assignment. They audited businesses in Krayan Induk, Krayan Tengah, Krayan Selatan, and Krayan Timur, Nunukan Regency, to fulfill the halal certification requirements of BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Agency).
The long journey has borne fruit: the audit process has been declared successful by the Fatwa Commission, a crucial step in the issuance of halal certificates in accordance with national regulations.
This achievement may appear administrative on paper, but in practice, it is the result of long, hard work marked by struggle, dedication, and sincerity. Each audit not only ensures compliance with halal standards but also opens economic opportunities for communities in the border region.
Krayan has a distinctive social landscape. Approximately 90 percent of its population is non-Muslim, the majority of whom are from the Dayak tribe. In their daily lives, the Krayan people are heavily dependent on Malaysia. In fact, approximately 70 percent of their basic needs are met by the neighboring country. Geographical proximity makes cross-border trade a lifeline. However, there is one crucial requirement that cannot be avoided: Malaysia requires halal certification for imported and traded products.
At this point, the BPJPH halal certification becomes more than just a compliance document. It becomes a gateway to economic access, a determinant of competitiveness, and a bridge to the prosperity of border communities.
The Director of the North Kalimantan LPPOM, Elang Buana, emphasized that LPPOM’s presence in Krayan was not merely an institutional task, but a call of conscience. “We are here in Krayan not only to discuss halal standards, but also as a path to justice. The BPJPH halal certification is an instrument to ensure that border communities have equal opportunities for prosperity,” he said.
According to Elang, the challenging terrain and high costs were never reasons to withdraw. All accommodation and transportation costs during the audit process were covered by LPPOM. However, for him, the value of service far outweighed material considerations. “The terrain is difficult, the distances are long, and the costs are not small. But when halal certification is the key to community well-being, then the fatigue must be overcome,” he said.
Furthermore, Elang emphasized that halal certification in Krayan is not built on identity barriers. “Krayan is a predominantly non-Muslim region. But halal is a bridge. BPJPH halal certification opens market access, strengthens the local economy, and maintains the dignity of the community regardless of religious background,” he said.
In Krayan, halal has become a universal language. It unites economic interests, cross-border market demands, and humanitarian values. The presence of LPPOM auditors brings not only documents and standards, but also a message that the country’s Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH) is present even to the outermost borders of Indonesia.
Amidst limited facilities and natural challenges, the spirit of dedication finds its most tangible form. Step by step, small businesses in Krayan can stand on equal footing, gain broader market access, and achieve a more decent life through BPJPH halal certification.
Concluding this story of struggle, Elang Buana conveyed a simple yet meaningful hope: “The most important thing for us is that the LPPOM flag must continue to fly high in Krayan. Because from there, we ensure that halal certification truly serves as a bridge of justice and prosperity to the ends of the land,” he concluded.
Amidst hills, borders, and long silences, Krayan bears witness to the fact that dedication knows no distance. That halal is not just a label, but a path to justice. And that caring, when carried out sincerely, can transcend any boundary. (YN)
