For Decades Of Selling Nonhalal Food, Solo Widuran Chicken Highlighted By DPR Legislators

Member of Commission VI, DPR RI in charge of trade problems, Mufti Anam. BETWEEN/HO-DPR RI

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mufti Anam, highlighted the case of the legendary Widuran Fried Chicken restaurant in Solo, which has been known for decades to sell non-halal products without listing information openly to consumers.

According to Mufti, this case cannot be considered a mere negligence in communication, but reflects the weakness of the monitoring system on the labeling of consumption products in Indonesia. He considered this to have the potential to disrupt a healthy business competition ecosystem.

"We consider this case to be non-simpairable as a mere communication error or negligence. This is a reflection of the weak supervision of product labeling, and needs to be followed up seriously by the relevant agencies," said Mufti in a written statement, Antara, Tuesday, June 3.

Previously, through its official Instagram account, the Fried Chicken Widuran announced that one of their menus, namely chicken kremesan, uses non-halal materials. The manager also said that the information has now been listed in all outlets and online platforms.

However, many consumers, especially those who are Muslim, admit that they are surprised, because so far they have never found this information in restaurants that have been operating for more than 50 years.

"Halal or non-halal labels are not just symbols. This concerns the beliefs, consumption ethics, and basic rights of every citizen to get honest information," said Mufti.

He emphasized that dishonest business practices not only mislead consumers, but also harm other business actors who have complied with business rules and ethics.

Furthermore, the legislator from the East Java II Electoral Region is worried that weak supervision will create a unequal business climate. According to him, honest business actors can be left out by competitors who are more popular but not transparent.

"Don't let it be because of loose supervision, disciplined business actors are actually less competitive," he said.

Mufti also highlighted a monitoring gap that would allow restaurants as big as Widuran to operate for decades without a clear labeling.

"This shows systemic weaknesses, both at the regional and central levels. Responsible stakeholders should not be ignored," he said.

He also urged the Ministry of Trade, the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), and the Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJPH) not only to be reactive when cases were already busy on social media.

The monitoring system must be active and preventive. Don't keep repeating the old pattern: just act after it goes viral," said Mufti.

According to him, halal and non-halal labeling is not just an issue of religion, but a matter of transparency and honesty in trade.

"Even non-Muslim consumers have the right to know clearly the ingredients used in the food they buy," he said.

Mufti urged the relevant ministries and institutions to immediately provide an official explanation and conduct a thorough evaluation of the ongoing surveillance system.

"If necessary, revise the regulation which is still gray. This is a moment to strengthen consumer protection," he said.

"Public trust is the main capital of the culinary industry. And that trust can only be built through honesty and openness," concluded Mufti.