Pharmaceutical product liability consists of several stages. The phasing in of mandatory halal certification for the pharmaceutical industry begins with the traditional medicine (herbal medicine) and supplements (including genetically engineered products) industry in 2026. This continues with mandatory halal for over-the-counter medicines, which matures in 2029. Lastly, 2034 marks The final round of pharmaceutical halal certification obligations for the group of complex drug products (except psychotropics). The scope of halal certification obligations includes drug-related services, such as toll manufacturing, logistics, and retail (sales) services.
Director of Partnership and Halal Audit Services LPPOM MUI, Dr. Ir. Muslich, M.Si., explained this at the opening of a national seminar entitled “The Role of Pharmacists in Preparing for the 2026 Mandatory Halal Pharmaceutical Industry”. This activity was held at the UHAMKA Campus in collaboration with the East Jakarta Branch Management (PC) of the Indonesian Pharmacists Association (IAI), the UHAMKA Faculty of Pharmacy and Science, and the Halal Inspection Institute (LPH) LPPOM MUI.
“Even though it seems like it will take a long time, this requires preparation for industrial implementation. The sooner it is done, the more thorough the preparations will be,” said Dr. Apt. Supandi, M.Si., chairman of PC IAI East Jakarta, who also gave a speech at the event.
Chairman of PC IAI DKI Jakarta, apt. Drs. Muhamad Yamin, M. Farm. also emphasized the importance of pharmacists in developing knowledge and assisting and guarding halal products in Indonesia. This was confirmed again by Dr. Apt. Hadi Sunaryo, M.Si., Dean of the UHAMKA Faculty of Pharmacy and Science, regarding the crucial importance of mandatory halal preparation through the involvement of competent pharmacists. “Pharmacists must be able to ensure halal products and medicines in this era of halal product guarantees,” said Hadi.
To prepare competent pharmacists, UHAMKA has opened the UHAMKA Master’s Degree in Pharmacy with a specialty in Halal Pharmacy, which is currently running for two classes. “Everyone must prepare themselves to implement halal pharmaceutical obligations in 2026. It seems still far away, but we must be prepared.” Hadi stressed. This statement also motivates the seminar participants, including pharmacists and prospective pharmacists.
Apt. Ivan Santosa, M. Farm from PT. Kimia Farma explained that pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry will be appointed halal supervisors. This halal supervisor is appointed and responsible in the company for the pharmaceutical process, from production to distribution, to guarantee halal status.
“In the 2000s, finding halal excipients was still very difficult. There is one case because, from the manufacturing flow diagram, it can be believed that the ingredients are pork extract. Does this condition still have to happen now?” explained Ivan. He also presented several non-halal practices that could have been prevented with competent halal supervisors.
LPPOM MUI halal auditor and UHAMKA pharmacy lecturer, Dr. Priyo Wahyudi, M.Si., added that laboratory testing of pharmaceutical products is a scientific verification of whether the ingredients used are pure or whether there is the possibility of contamination. “Lab test results are only supporting documents for going to the fatwa commission, not the only factor determining the halalness of a product,” he explained.
Regarding the gap regarding laboratory testing in the halal certification process, the reference is MUI Decree No. 80 of 2022, which explains what materials/products must be tested in the laboratory. Priyo said lab tests can provide quality assurance, increase brand value, maintain customer trust, and prevent counterfeiting or inappropriate labeling (surveillance monitoring).
LPPOM MUI helped encourage this by establishing the LPPOM MUI laboratory, a pioneering laboratory in halal testing and the first to verify vegan claims to the POM Agency. The LPPOM MUI Lab also ensures the safety of food, drinks, and medicines circulating in the community with the ability to detect ethylene glycol/diethylene glycol, which can cause kidney failure in children.
This event was attended by more than 200 participants from industry, pharmacy officials, civil servants, and pharmacy students. Participants enthusiastically asked questions regarding the role of pharmacists in the halal ecosystem, related regulations, and halal testing techniques. (NAD)
