YOGYAKARTA-Indonesia reaffirmed its position as the center of world’s halal hub and a pioneer in the halal certification. The effort to establish standards and procedures for halal certification has been prepared by the Research Institute for Food, Drugs and Cosmetics of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI LPPOM). Halal standardization that has been developed has even been emulated by many countries in the world.
"Indonesia is serious to position itself as the world’s halal hub and pioneer in globalizing halal certification," said Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Nasharuddin Umar, in his speech read by the Director General of Islamic Guidance, Prof. Dr. Abdul Jamil, MA, in The 2nd International Seminar on Halalness and Safety of Food and Pharmaceutical Products in LPPT Auditorium UGM, Wednesday (17/10). The seminar took place from 17 until 18 October 2012.
Nasharuddin explained some strategies that have been developed to maintain Indonesia’s position as the world’s halal hub, among others, by raising public awareness of the halal industry, improving the competitiveness of the local halal products, holding competitions on halal products, and increasing research and development of the halal industry.
"This step certainly is accompanied by the development of compatible halal products infrastructure," Nasharuddin said.
Nasharuddin admitted that the current world geopolitical developments requires Indonesia to be ready to maximize its ability to meet the global market potential of halal products. It is quite important to avoid Indonesia becoming a halal product importer, especially of goods from non-Muslim countries.
"The issue of halal market is becoming more prominent and influential in the world," he said.
Meanwhile, UGM Rector, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc, represented by Vice-Rector for Research and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Suratman, M.Sc, said that food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products have become basic needs of modern society. Issues related to health and the environment from halal products also become the concern, especially for the Muslim community.
"Muslim people need clarity and halal warranty of the products they consume," Pratikno explained.
Muslim populations, Pratikno said, require halal certification of products before these are sold to the market. Therefore, the role of research institutions, including universities, is required.