Jakarta – It is admitted that there are several Imams of Madzhab who are followed by devotees in the matter of Fiqhiyyah. So that for the determination of fatwas in the halal certification process, there may also be differences of opinion. Meanwhile, halal certification as a system that needs to be implemented globally, just like the ISO quality system, for example, which is applicable and widely accepted, requires the existence of rules that are mutually agreed upon by world halal certification bodies. Demikian dikemukakan Dr. Ir. Lukmanul Hakim, M.Si, in his remarks at the opening of the World Halal Food Council (WHFC) Annual General Meeting in Jakarta.
"This annual meeting is an effort that we continue to do together. In order to discuss, bring together, and agree on various differences that may occur in the determination of halal fatwas. As part of the halal certification process carried out by the mancanegera halal certification bodies gathered at WHFC. So that a halal certification system can be realized that can be accepted and enforced globally," said Lukmanul Hakim as President of WHFC in an agenda held for three days, 13-15 November 2019 in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, The Director of the Sharia Economy and Banking Department of Bank Indonesia, Anwar Bashori, in his speech stated, "We strongly support the holding of this seminar, as part of the series of activities of the Indonesia Shariah Economic Festival (ISEF) 2019. This is mainly because halal provisions are not only needed by Muslims. But it has further developed into a widely needed halal industry. Included in economic and financial aspects. In fact, halal tourism has grown to the fore lately."
Indrasari Vishnu Wardhana, S.Kom., M.Si., from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Trade, explained, "Halal certification has become an important instrument to achieve market access and increase product competitiveness in today's global trade. Halal provisions have also been part of the regulations in the Codex Alimentarius since 1997, and are supported by other international institutions, such as the FAO and the WTO."
Appeared as a speaker at the meeting which was attended by delegates of WHFC members, including Ir. Sumunar Jati, Deputy Director of LPPOM MUI, who gave a presentation on the Latest Halal Certification Provisions in Indonesia, especially with regard to the implementation of the Halal Product Guarantee Law; "OIC/SMIIC Standards on Halal Issues and Halal Quality Infrastructure" by Ihsan Ovut, Secretary General of SMIIC; "GCC Accreditation and Recognition Procedures for Foreign Halal Certification Bodies" by Nabil Amin Molla of the GCC Accrediation Center; and Drs. Kukuh S. Achmad, M.Sc.Apt., Secretary General of the Indonesian National Accreditation Committee.
WHFC is a forum for the gathering of halal certification bodies from various certification bodies in the world which was established in 1999 in Jakarta. Since its establishment until now LPPOM MUI is trusted to be the chairman (president) of WHFC. Currently, WHFC has 55 members of halal certification bodies from 26 countries. (Usm)
