"SME actors can directly apply for halal certification by using the free halal certification (Sehati) program, which reaches one million (in quota) for 2023," Head of BPJPH Aqil Irham stated in a statement received here on Thursday.
According to Irham, the program is offered by the Religious Affairs Ministry to the SMEs fostered by the Co-operatives and SMEs Ministry (Kemenkop UKM) .
Irham expects that the SMEs Ministry's office in regions can help facilitate the halal certification process.
The halal certification acceleration program aims to reach the target of 10 million halal-certified products in 2024.
Indonesia is also targeting to become a global halal product industry center by 2024, he remarked.
"We hope that the Co-operative and SMEs Ministry will provide support in the form of halal certification facilitation that is evenly distributed through related agencies in provinces and districts and cities throughout Indonesia," he stated.
Irham emphasized that halal certification is the key to providing certainty and a sense of security to consumers, as several stages need to be covered for guaranteeing a product as halal.
He explained that consumers should be aware of whether and how halal principles are applied in the production process, starting from the ingredients, processing, and packaging to presentation.
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Micro Business Protection and Facilitation at the Kemenkop UKM, Rahmadi, echoed his side's commitment to supporting BPJPH in the halal certification acceleration program, especially through the one million quota program.
"The ministry strongly supports BPJPH in the one million free halal certification program," he stated.
Rahmadi accentuated the importance of halal certification in strengthening small business products to become more qualified and competitive and boost the sharia economic industry in Indonesia.
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Translator: Asep F, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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