JAKARTA – In a significant move to bolster Indonesia’s halal industry ecosystem, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) launched a comprehensive halal certification program targeting 300 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Batam. The initiative took place at Golden Prawn venue in Bengkong district.

Program Overview and Objectives

The program, inaugurated by BCA Director Hendra Tanumihardja, aims to empower local SMEs by helping them achieve halal certification standards while providing comprehensive business development support. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global halal market.

“Our halal certification program represents BCA’s commitment to supporting government initiatives in developing the halal industry ecosystem while simultaneously fostering SME growth in Batam,” Tanumihardja explained during the opening ceremony.

Comprehensive Business Support Services

Beyond halal certification assistance, BCA’s program offers an extensive range of business development services:

Financial Services:

• Complimentary Business Identification Number (NIB) registration
• Digital account opening facilities
• QRIS payment system activation through BCA merchant applications
• Access to business financing solutions

Capacity Building:

• SME development education focused on three key pillars: business operators, market expansion, and product enhancement
• Business model canvas training
• Post-program coaching clinics
• Scheduled online digital marketing workshops

Strategic Importance for Indonesian Market

The urgency of halal certification has become increasingly apparent given Indonesia’s status as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. Tanumihardja emphasized that halal certification serves multiple business purposes: building consumer confidence, expanding market reach, and enhancing product competitiveness.

BCA’s Expanding Halal Initiative

The bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to this sector through ambitious expansion plans:

2025 Target: Facilitate 2,000 halal certificates for SMEs nationwide Historical Achievement: Since 2023, BCA has supported 3,000 halal certifications across various regions

• 2023: 2,000 certificates distributed across 24 cities/regencies in 13 provinces
• 2024: 1,000 certificates issued in 10 cities/regencies across 9 provinces

Industry Focus and Participation

The Batam program specifically targeted culinary sector SMEs, recognizing the critical importance of halal certification in food-related businesses. All 300 participants operate within the food and beverage industry, reflecting the sector’s significance in the halal market.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility BCA, Hera F Haryn, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the halal certification and SME training programs. “All training materials and coaching sessions have been specifically designed to help SMEs overcome various business challenges, particularly within halal business frameworks,” she stated.

The program’s launch attracted significant government and institutional support, with attendance from:

• Riki Rionaldi (Head of Cooperatives and SME Department, Riau Islands Province)
• Salim (Head of Cooperatives and SME Department, Batam City)
• Sinar Danandjaya (Head of Financial Services Authority, Riau Islands Province)
• Adik Afrinaldi (Head of KEKDA Implementation Team, Bank Indonesia Riau Islands)
• Abdur Rozaki (Vice Rector for Cooperation and Student Affairs, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta)

Impact on Indonesia’s Halal Economy

This initiative represents a significant step in developing Indonesia’s halal economy, which holds enormous potential given the country’s demographic profile and growing global demand for halal-certified products. By providing free certification and comprehensive business support, BCA is helping to remove barriers that traditionally prevented smaller businesses from accessing halal markets.

The program’s success in Batam could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Indonesia, potentially accelerating the country’s emergence as a global halal industry leader while simultaneously strengthening the foundation of its small business ecosystem.

Original article:

sumatrabisnis.com. (n.d.). Perkuat Ekosistem Industri Halal, BCA Gelar Sertifikasi Halal 300 UMKM di Batam. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://sumatra.bisnis.com/read/20250808/534/1900691/perkuat-ekosistem-industri-halal-bca-gelar-sertifikasi-halal-300-umkm-di-batam