Kawaguchiko, Japan — Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, accounting for 13% of the global Muslim community, has a significant demand for halal products. With a majority of its population adhering to Islam, the need for halal-certified goods is paramount. The Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI), as the authoritative body in this process, emphasizes the importance of halal certification to ensure that products consumed by the public meet Islamic halal standards. Halal certification not only guarantees the halal status of a product but also enhances the trust of Muslim consumers in the product.

 The Role of MUI in Halal Certification

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) plays a central role in ensuring product compliance with halal standards in Indonesia. Through its Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Assessment Institute (LPPOM MUI), MUI has overseen halal certification in Indonesia for decades. LPPOM MUI (Lembaga Pengkajian Pangan, Obat-obatan, dan Kosmetika) is responsible for reviewing product ingredients, production processes, and ensuring that businesses comply with Islamic law. The fatwas (religious edicts) issued by MUI provide the religious basis for determining whether a product is halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden).

The Halal Certification Process

To obtain halal certification from MUI, a business must undergo a rigorous process, which includes:

1. Application Submission – Companies must submit detailed information about their products and the ingredients used.
2. Audit and Inspection – LPPOM MUI conducts thorough inspections of production facilities to ensure compliance with established halal standards.
3. Laboratory Testing – Ingredients and processing methods are analyzed to verify the absence of non-halal substances.
4. Scientific Review and Fatwa Issuance – MUI’s fatwa committee evaluates the findings and officially declares whether the product meets halal criteria.
5. Certification and Labelling – Upon approval, businesses receive halal certification, allowing them to display the official halal logo on their products.

 The Impact of MUI Halal Certification

MUI’s halal certification has significant economic and social implications. With the enactment of the Halal Product Assurance Law (UU JPH), halal certification is now mandatory for food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals in Indonesia. UU JPH (Undang-Undang Jaminan Produk Halal) is a legal framework established to ensure that all products consumed by the public meet halal standards. This policy strengthens consumer trust while opening opportunities for Indonesian businesses to expand into the global halal market. Furthermore, MUI’s certification is now internationally recognized, enabling Indonesian halal-certified products to compete in the global halal industry, which is projected to reach trillions of dollars in value.

Challenges and Innovations in Halal Certification in Indonesia

Although MUI remains a central figure in halal certification, the establishment of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced new dynamics. BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal) is now the official government body overseeing halal certification. However, MUI remains responsible for providing religious validation regarding the halal status of products through fatwas.

As Indonesia strives to become a global halal hub, collaboration between MUI, BPJPH, and industry stakeholders is crucial to streamline the certification process, enhance transparency, and ensure that halal products maintain the highest standards of integrity.

MUI’s role in halal certification is vital in ensuring that Indonesian products comply with Islamic law. Through its stringent verification processes, MUI safeguards consumer trust and supports the growth of the halal industry in Indonesia. As the regulatory framework continues to evolve, maintaining synergy between religious authorities, government institutions, and businesses will be key to strengthening Indonesia’s position as a leader in the global halal market.

In an increasingly advanced digital era, MUI and BPJPH have also begun leveraging technology to improve the efficiency of halal certification. The use of mobile applications for certification submissions and tracking application statuses is one of the innovative steps taken. This not only simplifies the process for businesses but also enhances transparency and accountability in the halal certification system.

With these measures, Indonesia is not only committed to meeting domestic halal consumption needs but also aspires to become a center of innovation in the global halal industry. It is hoped that future collaboration between technology and regulation will create a better halal ecosystem, benefiting not only Muslim consumers but also positively impacting the national economy.

References

Rahman, A., & Sari, D. (2021). The Role of MUI in Halal Certification: A Study of Consumer Trust in Indonesia. International Journal of Islamic Marketing and Branding, 6(2), 78-92.

Hasan, M. (2023). Digital Transformation in Halal Certification: Opportunities and Challenges. Journal of Islamic Business and Management, 8(1), 23-37.

Harahap, S., Rokan, M., & Syarbaini, A. (2024). The Influence of MUI Halal Certificates on Buying Interests and Consumer Confidence. Jurnal Riset Manajemen, 12(1), 71-81.