Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan, during an Islamic cultural meeting in Kazan, Russia, emphasized the importance of establishing a globally recognized standard for halal products.

"The concept of halal has transcended religious boundaries, evolving into a global symbol of modern civilization, quality, health, cleanliness, ethics, animal welfare, trust, and sustainability," he remarked at the Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025 in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia.

In a statement from his office cited in Jakarta on Sunday, Hasan called on member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to harmonize their visions and steps towards creating an international halal standard.

"While we currently have differences in halal standards, we can begin to devise a global standard widely recognized by OIC member states," he said, asserting that a credible international benchmark is crucial for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

He also argued that "collaboration is essential to becoming leaders in the halal industry."

Furthermore, Hasan shared Indonesia's experience, citing the establishment of the BPJPH in 2014 as part of the government's efforts to build a trusted halal certification system.

Additionally, Hasan introduced SiHalal, an integrated information system Indonesia utilizes to offer halal certification services to both domestic and foreign businesses.

"Indonesia envisions becoming a global hub for halal products. Through the BPJPH, the government has been working to strengthen our halal standard to boost the competitiveness of our halal products in international markets," he affirmed.

In addition to speaking at the forum, which took place from May 13-18, the BPJPH leader also held bilateral meetings with representatives from the Saudi Halal Center of Saudi Arabia and RussQuality of Russia.

Translator: Arnidhya N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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