JAKARTA – A member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives has strongly criticized a government policy that would classify products without halal certification as illegal starting in 2026, calling the approach reckless and poorly thought out.

Mufti Nurul Anam, who serves on Commission VI of the Indonesian Parliament, expressed harsh criticism of statements made by Ahmad Haikal Hasan, head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). The agency chief recently announced that all food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics lacking halal certificates would be deemed illegal goods beginning next year.

“I believe the statement that all products without halal certification will be considered illegal starting in 2026 is nonsensical and represents a reckless policy,” Mufti stated in a press release issued on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Government’s Position on Mandatory Certification

According to Haikal, Law Number 33 of 2014 mandates that all food and beverages, including medicines and cosmetics, must possess halal certificates. He referenced Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024, specifically Articles 160 and 161, which establish the certification deadlines.

Under these regulations, micro and small business operators must obtain halal certification for food products, beverages, slaughtered goods, and slaughtering services between October 17, 2019, and October 17, 2026. Additional product categories are detailed in Article 161.

The BPJPH has indicated that enforcement will include penalties such as warning letters, reprimands, and revocation of business licenses to ensure compliance with halal certification requirements. The agency argues this approach is necessary to guarantee the quality of products consumed by the public.

Haikal also emphasized that halal labeling has evolved beyond religious matters to become a global standard indicating product quality, safety, and added value.

Concerns About Impact on Small Businesses

Mufti Anam argued that such statements reveal the government’s lack of preparedness in managing the national halal industry and could potentially destroy millions of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) already struggling to survive amid global economic pressures.

“We all agree that halal is important, even mandatory. But major policies like this cannot be implemented through proclamations and threats,” he insisted.

The lawmaker questioned whether Indonesia’s halal certification ecosystem is truly ready for such enforcement. He raised concerns about whether the process is simple, affordable, and free from corruption, and whether the relevant agencies possess the necessary credibility.

“The reality is that many business operators want to comply but simply cannot afford to,” Mufti explained.

Barriers to Compliance

The representative highlighted that the certification process remains complicated and expensive, creating significant burdens for small traders. Mufti noted he has personally heard complaints about the costs and bureaucracy involved, with many brokers and corrupt individuals exploiting the non-transparent system.

He painted a vivid picture of the businesses that would be affected: street food vendors selling fried snacks, mobile meatball sellers, Padang restaurants, village grocery stores, and spice vendors in traditional markets—all forming the backbone of the people’s economy.

“Are we willing to label them ‘illegal’ simply because they haven’t obtained a halal certificate through a complicated and expensive process? This type of policy doesn’t empower the people; it frightens small citizens who are actually the most loyal supporters of domestic products,” said the legislator representing East Java Constituency II.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between implementing comprehensive halal standards and protecting small business operators from potentially crushing regulatory burdens. As the 2026 deadline approaches, the debate over how to balance religious compliance with economic practicality continues to intensify.

Original Article:

Inilah.com. (2025, October 13). Aturan BPJH Soal Produk Tanpa Sertifikasi Halal Jadi Ilegal Dinilai Ngawur. Retrieved from https://www.inilah.com/aturan-bpjh-soal-produk-tanpa-sertifikasi-halal-jadi-ilegal-dinilai-ngawur