Haikal Hassan Reviews The Flavoring Factory, Here Are The Findings And Appreciations

Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJPH), Dr. H. Ahmad Haikal Hassan, ST., MT., visited Ajinomoto factory in Karawang. (IST)

JAKARTA Last weekend, the Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJPH), Dr. H. Ahmad Haikal Hassan, ST., MT., visited one of the leading flavoring manufacturers. Yes, Babe Haikal stopped by Ajinomoto factory in Karawang, West Java, on February 28.

What did he do there? Haikal and his entourage were invited to tour the factory and explain the history of the discovery of MSG (monodium glutamate), the history of the start of Ajinomoto's existence in Indonesia, to see firsthand the entire production process. In the agenda, Ahmad Haikal also took the time to have a dialogue with representatives of company management.

"My team and I visited Ajinomoto Factory in Karawang in order to carry out the mandate of monitoring halal guarantees, and Alhamdulillah I saw for myself how Ajinomoto had policies and halal commitments that had been held and carried out consistently very well," he said in a written statement received by VOI.

Haikal shared his experience around the factory. "I see that all cooking spice products produced in this factory really pay very high attention to the very high standards to meet the halal criteria in every process. I am also impressed with the application of Ajinomoto's spice products in every food menu served, it is very practical to refresh every dish. They apply the concept of 'Bick Garam' which I think can break the negative stigma related to MSG. Because it turns out, the benefits can reduce excess salt consumption," said Babe Haikal.

During this visit, continued Haikal, he also encouraged the development of the national halal ecosystem. "Currently, quite a lot of imported products enter Indonesia with halal labels. However, I think our domestic products are no less quality. My goal is to visit here, one of which is to encourage the development of the national halal ecosystem, as well as promote national halal products that we have so that we can compete in the global market," he said.

What he also appreciates is Ajinomoto's commitment to increase the number of halal investigators in its production facilities. "In addition, we appreciate their initiative in facilitating UMK players around industrial estates. They will be monitored, fostered, and supported by raw materials with Ajinomoto products. This can be an example for other companies," he continued.

Furthermore, Haikal said that his working visit also aims to ensure the implementation of the Halal Product Guarantee System (SJPH) implemented by the company. We toured the big industry not without reason. Our main goal is to ensure that the Halal Product Guarantee System went well. We came here to witness the implementation of the SJPH firsthand, because this is part of our responsibility in providing a sense of comfort for the Indonesian people," he explained.

This visit to the Ajinomoto Factory is part of the strategic agenda of BPJPH in encouraging the development of the national halal ecosystem, as well as increasing the competitiveness of national products in the global market. According to Hermawan Prajudi, Director of PT Ajinomoto Indonesia as well as Coordinator of Internal Halal Auditors, visit from BPJPH is an excellent momentum to strengthen collaboration between BPJPH and Ajinomoto Indonesia in implementing the halal product security system.

"Support from BPJPH as the regulator will certainly motivate us to improve product quality and ensure halalness starting from the process of preparing raw materials, production process, to distributing to consumers. So that all products are not only delicious and of high quality, but also safe and reliable for consumption," said Hermawan.