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VOInews, Jakarta: The Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs invited a number of business associations and importers to discuss a number of important issues related to the implementation of halal certification obligations for products that enter, circulate and are traded in the territory of Indonesia from October 2024. "We invite leaders or representatives of business associations and importers to discuss together, discussing various matters relating to the implementation of the halal certification obligation which will be gradually implemented starting October 2024," said the Head of the Halal Cooperation and Standardisation Centre, Abd Syakur, after leading the FGD at the Oakwood Hotel, East Jakarta, Tuesday (11/6/2024).

Quoting a written statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs received on Wednesday (12/6/2024), the activity was attended by BPJPH Secretary E. A Chuzaemi Abidin, and Head of the Halal Registration and Certification Centre Siti Aminah, as well as representatives of associations, including APINDO (Indonesian Employers Association), HIPPINDO (Indonesian Association of Retailers & Shopping Centre Tenants), AFFI (Indonesian Flavour and Fragrant Association), ASPIDI (Indonesian Meat Importers Association), ASPADIN (Association of Indonesian Bottled Water Companies), APRINDO (Indonesian Retail Association), Gabungan Perusahaan Makanan & Minuman Seluruh Indonesia (GAPMMI), American Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, European Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, APREGINDO (Indonesian Global Brand Retailers Association), British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, and US-ASEAN.

Furthermore, Syakur said that through this FGD, BPJPH as a government agency responsible for the implementation of Halal Product Guarantee (JPH) has an interest in ensuring the realisation of an understanding of JPH regulations and technical implementation between the government and industrial circles in a harmonious and equitable manner. Apart from being a means of socialising JPH policies and regulations, the FGD is also a forum to absorb the aspirations of business actors. "This constructive discussion aims to mitigate and build a conducive situation to ensure the implementation of halal certification obligations, including those related to foreign halal certificate registration, will run well and it is even expected that the sustainability of the supply chain will run better." continued Syakur.

Syakur appreciated active participation of the FGD attendees that gave various insights into the discussion. "I also appreciate a number of associations that have attended and provided many constructive views from various points of view according to their respective fields." he continued. "This is important, because we want the policies we make to be consistent but also facilitate the supply chain of halal products. However, these policies must also pay attention to differences in laws and regulations in other countries." Syakur concluded.

Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs