Business actors still face a number of challenges in fulfilling halal certification. Even so, the President Director of LPPOM, Muti Arintawati, explained a number of solutions to deal with it. Business actors must know about it. What are the solutions that can make the process of obtaining a BPJPH halal certificate easier?
Halal certification is a serious concern in the processed food industry in Indonesia. This was expressed by the President Director of the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics (LPPOM), Muti Arintawati, in a seminar themed “Update on Regulations, Quality Standards, and Testing of Processed Food in Indonesia”, which was held by PT Equilab International on December 12, 2024, at the JS Luwansa Hotel, Jakarta.
This is related to the implementation of mandatory halal certification for food products on October 17 based on Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024. Even so, there are still many business actors who have not complied with this regulation. In addition, the halal certification process still faces a number of complex challenges.
Challenges in Halal Certification
One of the main issues highlighted is cross-contamination between halal and non-halal materials. “This contamination can occur at various points of production, distribution, and storage. This is certainly a big challenge for business actors,” said Muti.
In addition, Muti also highlighted the dynamics of rapidly changing regulations. According to her, business actors often need time to adjust to these changes. “The lack of adequate socialization regarding new regulations also adds to the obstacles in implementation,” she added.
Another challenge comes from the selection of the Halal Inspection Body (LPH). With the increasing number of LPHs emerging, business actors must be more selective and careful in choosing an institution that truly has experience and credibility.
In this case, LPPOM, as an LPH, has been around for more than 35 years with various halal certification experiences and more than 50,000 clients. Even so, LPPOM never stops improving its services and programs to make it easier for business actors to carry out the halal certification process. The complexity of the supply chain is also a concern. According to Muti, ensuring halalness from upstream to downstream is very difficult, especially if the raw materials come from imports whose halal status is unclear. “Imported materials are often a challenge because not all of them have clear halal certificates,” she explained.
On the other hand, the limited understanding of business actors about halal certification is also an obstacle. Many business actors do not yet understand the importance of certification and the technical procedures that must be followed. Understanding related to administration and technical requirements is still a major obstacle in the field.
Practical Solutions for Business Actors
However, Muti Arintawati offers various solutions to answer these challenges. One of them is to understand the regulations and halal certification process thoroughly. Business actors must ensure that administrative documents are complete before submitting certification.
The formation of a halal management team is also an important solution. Business actors need to appoint a competent halal supervisor and form a special team to manage halal certification periodically. “Training on regulations and certification processes must continue to be carried out to maintain the quality of the halal management team,” she added.
In addition, internal audit simulations need to be carried out before submitting certification. This step aims to ensure that all production processes are in accordance with halal standards and prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
The use of halal-certified raw materials is also a priority. Muti emphasized the importance of working with suppliers who have a trusted track record and ensuring that all raw materials have halal certification recognized by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH).
Furthermore, good communication with BPJPH and LPH, such as LPPOM, is considered crucial to understanding certification requirements. Business actors are also encouraged to always update their knowledge by attending seminars and training organized by BPJPH and LPPOM.
Towards a Better Halal Ecosystem
Fulfilling halal certification is not just a regulatory requirement but also a form of business actors’ commitment to consumers. “With a better understanding, the certification process will be more efficient and Indonesian halal products can compete in the global market,” said Muti.
This seminar provides in-depth insight and concrete solutions for processed food industry players to continue to develop amidst increasingly complex halal certification demands. Collaboration between the government, halal inspection institutions, and business actors is considered to be the key to success in building a stronger and more trusted halal ecosystem.
Currently, LPPOM continues to encourage government efforts to realize Indonesia’s ideals as the world’s halal centre. A number of efforts have been made, ranging from various educational programs that are carried out massively to a number of programs to make it easier for business actors to carry out halal certification, including for free.
LPPOM also provides a platform that makes it easy for consumers, both business actors and the community, to be able to check products that have halal certificates through the website www.halalmui.org or the Halal MUI application, which can be downloaded on the Google Playstore, as well as the BPJPH website.
Business actors who have food products and have not registered for certification immediately register and choose LPH LPPOM to conduct halal examinations to meet the regulations set by the government. LPPOM also offers various laboratory testing services, including for food safety. Information related to laboratory testing can be accessed at the following link: https://halalmui.org/laboratorium-halal/. (YN)
