Previously IDR 3-4 Million, Now MSE Actors Only Pay IDR 650 Thousand For Regular Halal Certification From The Ministry Of Religion

Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) of the Ministry of Religion, Aqil Irham. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH Kemenag) has reduced the cost of regular (paid) halal certification, especially for micro and small businesses (UMK). Previously, UMK actors had to spend IDR 3-4 million.

"This new tariff is much cheaper now at only Rp. 650 thousand," said Head of BPJPH Aqil Irham in a written statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, January 17.

Aqil said several provisions for halal certification rates, including for MSEs a tariff of Rp0 applies through the self-declaring mechanism or an independent halal declaration. Meanwhile, the regular halal certification fee for MSEs is set at IDR 650 thousand. With details, IDR 300 thousand for registration and determination of product halalness, IDR 350 thousand for product halal inspection by the Halal Inspection Agency (LPH).

According to him, the cost reduction is part of the affirmative commitment made by the government for MSEs with the aim of stimulating it, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"That way we can achieve the target of 10 million halal certifications," he said.

Previously, BPJPH had four acceleration programs carried out throughout 2021 in an effort to accelerate the implementation of the halal certification program.

First, facilitation of halal certification for micro and small business actors (UMK). In 2021, as many as 3,827 MSEs have experienced the halal certification facilitation program through a self-declared business actor scheme.

Second, BPJPH has prepared 2,992 halal product process companions (PPH) for MSEs. PPH assistance is carried out to ensure that the product processes carried out by business actors have met the required halal standards.

Third, BPJPH formed an accreditation team for the Halal Inspection Agency (LPH). They are tasked with assessing the suitability, competence, and feasibility of the LPH, with the scope of activities; verification/validation, inspection of halal products and/or production processes, inspections of slaughterhouses/poultry or animal/poultry slaughter units, and/or inspections, audits, and laboratory testing if necessary on product halalness.

Fourth, digitizing and expanding the integration of the halal certification service system. According to Aqil Irham, digitization and expansion of the integration of the halal certification service system is a necessity. Without both, BPJPH cannot run its services optimally.

"With this system integration, system connectivity and integration of business processes are built more quickly and efficiently, which has implications for the creation of good halal certification services," he said.