As the starting point of the halal supply chain, raw material stores play an important role in ensuring the clarity of halal status within the halal certification process. LPPOM emphasizes that proper material management at the store level forms the foundation of halal traceability and integrity, particularly for MSMEs that depend on these materials. Proper documentation, clear segregation, and transparent information are key to maintaining halal integrity, while positioning raw material stores as the frontline in strengthening the halal ecosystem and consumer trust.
Indonesia’s halal supply chain still faces several challenges. One of them is the potential contamination of non-halal materials during distribution and storage processes that are not strictly separated. Practices such as mixing materials in warehouses, using the same transportation equipment without cleaning procedures that comply with standards, and the lack of clear labeling can create risks of halal non-compliance.
Raw material stores (toko bahan baku or tobaku) hold a strategic role in the halal ecosystem, especially because they are one of the main sources of materials for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) actors who are currently applying for or planning to apply for halal certification. If the halal status of purchased materials cannot be clearly traced, the certification process for the businesses using those materials may be delayed. Therefore, managing halal raw material stores requires particular attention to several critical control points.
According to Halal Auditor at LPH LPPOM, Ade Suherman, S.Si., the ability of raw material store business operators to identify and manage materials is a key factor in maintaining halal integrity throughout the supply chain. The first aspect that must be considered is the ability to classify materials or products into three categories: halal materials supported by strong evidence such as halal certificates, strict segregation between halal and non-halal products sold, and further investigation for materials or products whose halal status remains unclear.
“This sorting capability requires business operators to understand halal certificates, ingredient compositions, and supporting documents. In practice, challenges often arise because many materials are sold in repackaged forms, small packaging, or even without clear identification, making their origins difficult to trace,” Ade explained.
In addition, halal literacy among business operators, especially MSMEs, is still limited regarding the importance of supporting documents such as halal certificates for ingredients, technical specifications, and traceability documentation. In fact, institutions such as the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) emphasize that the halal assurance system must be built comprehensively from upstream to downstream.
Another challenge lies in the consistency of suppliers in updating certification documents and providing transparent ingredient compositions, particularly for imported materials or materials with technical names that may contain critical substances. Without strong supervision and commitment at the raw material store level, non-compliance risks may delay the halal certification process for MSMEs or even lead to the revocation of a product’s halal status.
“Business operators, especially at the micro, small, and medium scales, often face difficulties requesting halal documents from suppliers, verifying the authenticity of halal labels on packaging, and tracing materials that have been relabeled or repackaged. Therefore, education on the importance of halal certification for suppliers and stores is crucial to ensure that the supply chain remains well maintained,” Ade added.
Strengthening the management of raw material stores therefore includes the separation of storage areas, batch-based inventory recording, periodic verification of documents, and customer education. With proper governance, raw material stores can function not only as distribution points but also as strategic partners in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the national halal ecosystem.
He also emphasized that raw material stores are among the most frequently accessed points by MSMEs undergoing halal certification. If the materials they purchase do not have clear halal status, the audit process may be delayed or even fail. This demonstrates that improving the capacity of raw material stores will have a direct impact on accelerating halal certification for MSMEs.
Halal raw material stores are not merely places for transactions, but the initial gateway that determines the quality and halal integrity of downstream products. With strong identification capabilities, clear segregation, and a commitment to material traceability, stores can actively contribute to strengthening the halal ecosystem and help MSMEs obtain certification more easily.
In this regard, LPH LPPOM also supports government programs by assisting business operators throughout the halal certification process. These efforts aim to ensure the availability of halal products for the public while providing a sense of safety and comfort for Muslim consumers in Indonesia and around the world.
This commitment is not only reflected through inspection services and certification assistance but also through the continuous strengthening of halal literacy. Various educational and facilitative activities are regularly conducted to help business actors better understand the importance of a structured and well-documented SJPH (Halal Product Assurance System).
One initiative that is consistently organized is the Festival Syawal LPPOM. Through this program, LPPOM presents a series of activities that provide tangible benefits for Indonesian society, particularly Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). The festival not only serves as an educational platform but also focuses on facilitating halal certification for MSEs as a concrete effort to accelerate the growth of halal-certified products in Indonesia.
Through this program, it is expected that more MSEs will be able to meet halal standards and improve the competitiveness of their products. In the future, these products are expected not only to remain strong in the national market but also to have greater opportunities to expand and compete in the global arena, in line with the vision of strengthening Indonesia’s halal ecosystem.
As part of the Festival Syawal 1447 H themed “Halal Raw Material Stores: The First Step Toward Resilient MSMEs,” LPPOM is organizing various activities, ranging from free halal certification facilitation for halal raw material stores to halal education and outreach programs across Indonesia. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of halal raw material stores as a critical foundation for building resilient, competitive MSMEs that are ready to grow within the national halal ecosystem.
One of the event series is a Ramadan webinar titled “Halal Raw Materials and Their Challenges for MSMEs,” which will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB. The webinar will feature Dr. H. Abd Syakur from the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH), who will discuss the role of regulation in supporting the halal raw material store ecosystem; Rovie Farah Diba, who will explain the technical aspects of SJPH (Halal Product Assurance System), particularly in controlling and tracing raw materials; and Irvan Maulana, who will share best practices in managing halal raw material stores to strengthen MSMEs.
Participants can register through the following link: https://bit.ly/webinar-bahan-baku. The webinar is expected to improve the understanding and readiness of business actors in ensuring the halal integrity of raw materials in a sustainable manner. (ZUL)
