"Minister Qoumas is currently in Europe for several agendas, including attending the signing of the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on halal certificates between the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Foreign Halal Institution (LHLN) in Italy," the ministry's Secretary General, Ali Ramdhani, stated on Wednesday.
He affirmed that such an effort is a mandate of the law in the context of implementing the mandatory halal certification policy on October 17, 2024.
He explained that three groups of products must be halal certified, namely a) food and beverage products; b) raw materials, food additives, and auxiliary materials for food and beverage products; and c) slaughtered products and slaughtering services.
At a limited meeting on May 15, 2024, the government postponed implementing the halal certification obligation, specifically for food and beverage products of micro and small businesses (UMK).
The gradual implementation of this policy is extended from October 2024 to October 2026. Ramdhani affirmed that this is a form of government support for UMK owners.
Related news: Halal certification to protect Muslim producers, consumers: Minister
With this postponement, UMK owners can obtain the Business Identification Number (NIB) and apply for halal certification until October 2026.
"In Italy, Minister Qoumas will attend the signing of the MRA with the Italian Halal Quality Control and the World Halal Authority and also conduct a meeting to discuss the issue of halal products in both countries," Ramdhani remarked.
He said that the activity is scheduled to take place on September 18-20, 2024. From Italy, the minister will continue his working visit to France.
Ramdhani noted that the minister is carrying out President Joko Widodo's mandate to attend the 38th International Meeting for Peace organized by French President Emmanuel Macron on September 22, 2024.
"In the meeting, Minister Qoumas will discuss efforts to achieve peace and shared prosperity in the world," he remarked.
Related news: VP Amin urges halal certification for food and beverage products
Translator: Sean Filo M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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