Businesses are often faced with several challenges when it comes to obtaining halal certification. However, these challenges can also become opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
With halal certification, business competition will be fairer, as everyone meets the same standards. Additionally, the requirement for halal certification can become a new source of economic growth.
Dr. Akhmad Akbar Susanto, an Islamic Economics and Halal Industry lecturer at UGM’s Graduate School, conveyed this during the national seminar ‘Boosting Sales of Halal-Certified Products’ on Friday (Dec. 20) at the Grand Rohan Hotel Ballroom.
According to Dr. Susanto, several standards must be met in the halal inspection process, such as safety, cleanliness, and sanitation, which will improve the overall quality of the product. This can, in turn, build customer trust in the product.
“These standards can enhance the perceived quality of the product, even among non-Muslim consumers,” Dr. Susanto explained.
Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, Deputy Chair of the UGM Halal Center, stated that the obligation to provide halal certification guarantees applies not only to producers of finished goods but also to service providers.
Services required to have halal certification include slaughter, processing, storage, packaging, distribution, sales, and serving.
“Halal audits for service providers are based on the category of halal lidzatihi (inherently halal). For example, bus seats must not be made from forbidden animal leather, and water filters must not use pig bones,” he said.
MSMEs can acquire halal certification through the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). Dr. Dono mentioned that the costs for obtaining a halal certificate, which is often considered expensive, are due to the use of intermediaries in the process. He urged MSMEs to apply for halal certification only through authorized agencies.
“Please apply for halal certification through the official website or institutions like the UGM Halal Provider,” he concluded.
The seminar, organized by UGM’s Graduate School, also featured other speakers, including Dr. Duddy Roesmara Donna, an Islamic Economics lecturer at UGM’s Graduate School; Professor Budi Guntoro, Director of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Food and Drug Assessment Agency for Yogyakarta; and Dr. Rika Fatimah, Executive Chairperson of the World Halal Industry Trade Alliance for Yogyakarta.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif