Aqua Halal Certification Must Be Revoked If Proven Using Well Water
JAKARTA Founder of the supervisory agency for halal products, Indonesia Halal Watch (IHW), Ikhsan Abdullah, emphasized that Aqua's alleged use of deep ground well water has serious legal consequences if it is proven that it is not in accordance with claims and distribution permits.
According to him, if Aqua is proven to use water that is different from the initial sample when administering distribution permits to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and halal certification to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) or the Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJPH), then strict sanctions can be imposed.
"Aqua brand drinking water producers can be subject to sanctions based on Article 8 paragraph (1) of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection," he said in a written statement, Sunday, October 26.
Ikhsan emphasized that the violation could lead to the revocation of the distribution permit by BPOM, cancellation of halal certification by BPJPH, as well as withdrawal of advertising material from public spaces. In addition to legal threats, there are health hazards that are posed if the raw materials for water are not according to standards including the content of E coli bacteria, heavy metals, or chemicals that can cause allergies, kidney disorders, to poisoning.
Therefore, this case is an important warning for all bottled drinking water producers (AMDK) to be more transparent and honest in explaining water sources to consumers. Commitment and product integrity must be maintained. Do not let public trust be lost because of intolerance," he said.
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Ikhsan also encouraged BPOM and BPJPH to conduct strict audits of all Aqua factories to ensure the suitability of raw materials with distribution permits and halal certification. If there is a violation, then BPOM must revoke the distribution permit and BPJPH has the right to cancel the halal certification that has been issued.
Previously, this issue arose after the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi conducted an inspection of the Aqua factory in Subang and found the use of groundwater in the production process. The findings are considered contrary to Aqua's claims that have been carrying the image of natural mountain water.
However, Danone Indonesia, as the parent company of PT Tirta Investama, has clarified that Aqua water comes from deep aquifers in mountainous areas, not from ordinary bore wells. They also said that the water collection process had received government permission and through scientific studies from UGM and Unpad.