Indonesia is a large and increasingly selective market, where halal certification has become a key requirement. At PCHi 2026, the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM emphasized that without fully meeting halal standards, the opportunity to enter the Indonesian market may be missed. Business actors need to understand the halal certification procedures of BPJPH to ensure a faster and smoother process.
Indonesia continues to position itself not only as a large market, but also as one with clear and firm standards. This message was directly conveyed by the Director of Partnership and Halal Audit Services of the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM, Dr. Ir. Muslich, M.Si., at the international forum Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) 2026 Navigating Global Markets: Export Compliance and Opportunities Conference, held on March 19, 2026, in Hangzhou, China. In front of global industry players, he emphasized that halal certification has now become a primary key to entering the Indonesian market.
With a population of more than 270 million people, the majority of whom are Muslim, Indonesia offers enormous market potential. However, this potential cannot be separated from its consumers, who are increasingly aware of the importance of halal products. The Indonesian government has responded by implementing mandatory halal regulations, starting with food and beverage products, and gradually expanding to other sectors such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, which will take effect in October 2026.
In this context, companies from various countries can no longer rely solely on price competitiveness or product quality. They must also ensure that the products entering Indonesia meet all halal requirements. This includes not only the final product, but also the materials used, the production process, and the distribution system. All aspects must align with the Halal Product Assurance principles applied in Indonesia.
Muslich emphasized that halal understanding should not be simplified as merely a label on packaging. The halal system in Indonesia is comprehensive and integrated. Every stage from the source of materials, production processes at manufacturing facilities, to storage and distribution must be traceable and verified for halal compliance. This approach positions halal as an integrated system aligned with quality management systems, rather than just an administrative requirement.
In this process, LPPOM plays a crucial role. As a Halal Inspection Body, LPPOM conducts audits to ensure that every product truly meets established standards. These audits do not only review documentation, but also examine on-site practices, ensuring that the halal status of products can be fully accounted for.
What Muslich conveyed at the PCHi 2026 forum sends a strong signal to global industries. Indonesia indeed offers great opportunities, but it also demands strict readiness. For material producers including those supplying raw materials, additives, or processing aids as well as brand owners, understanding Indonesia’s halal regulations is a step that cannot be delayed.
On the other hand, the halal trend continues to grow globally. Halal is no longer seen solely as a requirement for Muslim consumers, but also as an indicator of product quality, safety, and transparency. This gives halal certification broader strategic value, including in building market trust.
Through the forum, Muslich also encouraged industry players to be more proactive in preparing themselves. Companies are expected to understand regulations comprehensively, adjust product formulations, ensure the clarity of material sources, and establish a Halal Product Assurance System from the early stages of production through to distribution. This step is crucial so that the certification process does not become an obstacle when companies decide to enter the Indonesian market.
An early-stage approach will not only accelerate the certification process, but also help companies avoid rejection risks and improve supply chain efficiency. In other words, readiness for halal regulations is not merely about compliance, but also part of a smart business strategy.
Indonesia’s presence at PCHi 2026 also highlights its strategic role in the global halal ecosystem. Indonesia is not only a target market, but also a reference point in implementing comprehensive halal standards. The forum serves as an important platform to strengthen collaboration among international industry players in building a more integrated halal system.
Ultimately, the message is very clear. Halal certification is no longer an optional requirement, but the primary “entry ticket” for anyone seeking to penetrate the Indonesian market. The opportunity is vast, but it is only accessible to those who are ready to meet the established standards. (NAD/ed.YN)
