"We can no longer work in the usual manner, considering that the targets set for the empowerment of the halal industry, including the halal certification target, are quite challenging and may not be achieved if they are not prepared from now on," he stressed.
Sulendrakusuma conveyed the statement at a coordination meeting with the Halal Certification Agency (BPJPH), the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and representatives of the halal assistance institution here on Friday, according to a press release.
He believes that one of the aspects that should be pushed to create a halal ecosystem is accelerating the halal certification process for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), as mandated by the Job Creation Law and Government Regulation Number 39 of 2021 on the Implementation of the Halal Product Assurance Sector.
He explained that halal certification for MSEs is conducted with the Self-Declare System and the Free Halal Certificate (Sehati) Program.
Related news: BPJPH offers free halal certification for 25,000 MSEs
He noted that in 2022, the government is targeting at least 25 thousand MSEs to obtain halal certificates through the Sehati Program.
"The target is an initial step to meet the big target of halal certificates for 10 million MSME players," he affirmed.
To meet the target of 10 million halal certificates for MSME players, the government has readied several strategies, such as increasing the quality and quantity of halal certification assistants and supervisors.
In addition, the government is increasing the reliability of the application of BPJH for the halal registration and certification process and encouraging halal training to be included in the curriculum of Islamic universities.
"The government will also offer systematic and massive education for business players regarding the process of halal products, including by using approaches that are more effective, such as a cultural approach," Sulendrakusuma remarked.
Related news: Govt encourages establishment of Halal Inspection Agency
Related news: KSP assists BPJPH in halal certification for 10 million MSMEs
Translator: Rangga Pandu, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
