LPPOM affirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and laboratory innovation. Through continuously updated testing methods and accreditation, LPPOM dispels the stigma that laboratory testing is the sole determinant of halal certification, while also proving itself as a pioneer in Indonesia’s first one-stop halal testing service. Superior laboratory testing services can easily accelerate halal certification through BPJPH
Amidst the excitement of the Indonesia International Halal Festival (IIHF) held at the Jakarta International Convention Centre (JICC) recently, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory captured attention with its easy and fast free skin testing service. More than just educational, this initiative provided a platform for the public to learn about the importance of testing in ensuring the halal status of consumer goods, such as wallets, bags, and shoes. The enthusiastic attendance demonstrated that halal issues are no longer limited to food and beverages.
However, behind this free service lies LPPOM’s deep commitment to regulatory compliance and strengthening a science-based halal audit system. In a talk show entitled “Supporting BPJPH’s Halal Mandatory Requirements, LPPOM Offers Excellent Services,” Muti Arintawati, President Director of LPH LPPOM, explained the vital role of laboratories in the BPJPH halal certification process. She also addressed the common perception that laboratories are the sole determinant in the certification process.
“Laboratories are part of the inspection process, although not the primary determinant. Therefore, the stigma that laboratories are the sole means of determining halal certification must be addressed,” Dr. Muti emphasized.
The LPPOM MUI laboratory has held ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation since 2018, demonstrating its quality and credibility nationally. In its halal testing services, the laboratory continuously innovates. It has developed various testing methods, from pork detection, alcohol detection, water penetration testing, and other tests that support the inspection of critical materials.
However, innovation alone is not enough. When new regulations from the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) were enacted, LPPOM quickly adapted. One of these measures involves adapting the porcine DNA testing method to the real-time PCR method specified in SNI 9278:2024.
“We have a DNA analysis method using real-time PCR to identify porcine or pork content. We’ve been developing it for quite some time and have since submitted it for accreditation. But when BPJPH issued a directive that certification laboratories must comply with SNI 9278:2024, we immediately studied it and ensured that our work complied with the regulations,” she explained.
This adaptation process wasn’t always easy. Challenges such as the availability of specific reagents for the SNI method presented technical obstacles that had to be quickly overcome. However, LPPOM demonstrated its capacity as a regulatory-responsive laboratory. They not only used real-time PCR but also discussed alternative methods with BPJPH, such as LC-MS/MS, for faster and more accurate testing to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. “We developed the overall process; for halal certification purposes, we remain in accordance with BPJPH guidelines,” Muti reiterated.
With this approach, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory is now a pioneer and the only laboratory in Indonesia offering one-stop testing services for a variety of product testing needs, from halal certification, vegan certification, hygiene and sanitation, quality assurance, and product safety. Services include testing for haram (prohibited) ingredients, such as pork and ethanol, as well as raw material validation and product consultations for businesses that are not yet certified.
Furthermore, access to LPPOM services is now even more accessible. Businesses can browse comprehensive information through the e-halallab.com website. Meanwhile, companies can also easily and quickly obtain public information regarding the halal certification process through Customer Care at Call Centre 14056 and WhatsApp 0811-1148-696. LPPOM also regularly holds free online classes on “Introduction to Halal Certification” (PSH) every second and fourth week of each month, available at halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal.
Through a combination of public education, regulatory compliance, and continuous innovation, LPPOM continues to demonstrate its commitment as a vanguard in maintaining the halal status of products in Indonesia. As shown on the IIHF stage, halal certification is now more than just a religious matter; it is also a professional standard rooted in science, accreditation, and trust. (YN)
