DPR Criticism About BPJH Legalizing Non-Labeled Halal Products Assessed As Side To The People

Member of the House of Representatives, Mufti Anam. BETWEEN/HO-DPR

JAKARTA - Public policy observer from Trisakti University, Trubus Rahadiansyah, assesses that the DPR's criticism of the plan of the Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJH) which will categorize products that have not been certified halal as illegal products is a step that reflects partiality to the needs of the community.

According to him, the statement made by a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Mufti Anam, is a form of political courage because it voices the broad public interest, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who will be most affected.

"It represents the people's needs. Then in my opinion, this voice must be an entry point to fix the regulations related to BPJPH, the halal guarantee, halal products," Trubus said, Friday, October 17.

Trubus said that the implementation of public policy should ideally not only follow the mandate of the law rigidly, but must also take into account the community's readiness to implement it. In this case, he considered, the obligation to carry out halal certification accompanied by sanctions was not appropriate in terms of timing or approach.

According to him, many MSME actors still face the challenge of accessing the certification process, both in terms of costs, bureaucracy, and a lack of equitable socialization.

"MSMEs will actually become the most disadvantaged group if this regulation is implemented rigidly. Even though they are the backbone of the national economy. Policies must be supportive, not burdensome," he said.

Trubus assessed that the DPR should not only carry out its supervisory function, but also the function of representation and advocacy of the aspirations of the community. He considered that Mufti Anam's statement should be read as an evaluation of the regulation on the guarantee of halal products so that it is more relevant to the current economic conditions of the community.

"This DPR step is important to trigger evaluation of existing regulations. It is not enough just to supervise, but also actively propose changes to more adaptive and inclusive rules. This is what we expect from the legislative institution," said Trubus.

Trubus also assessed that the DPR's response could be an entry point to encourage the revision of BPJPH's policies, by strengthening public participation, transparency, and taking sides with the people's business sector.

According to him, the sustainability of the halal guarantee program will not work if it is carried out without an understanding of social reality at the grassroots.

"The purpose of halal guarantees is very good, but the way to achieve it must be wise and realistic. Do not let the public feel forced or burdened. Because in public policy, a participatory and contextual approach is much more effective," Trubus said.

"And the State must also guarantee that the implementation of halal certification is free for business actors. So it is the state that must facilitate," he added.

As is known, Head of BPJH Ahmad Haikal Hasan or who is often called Babeh Haikal said all food, beverage, medicine and cosmetic products that have not yet obtained halal certificates will be categorized as illegal goods starting in 2026.

According to Haikal, Law Number 33 of 2014 mandates all food, drinks, including drugs, cosmetics and so on, must have a halal certificate. He also called for the limit of halal certification for these products to be regulated in PP Number 42 of 2024 Articles 160 and 161.

Micro and small business actors are said to have halal certification for food, beverage products, slaughter products, and slaughter services from October 17, 2019 to October 17, 2026. The provisions regarding other types of products are further outlined in Article 161.

Products that are required to have halal certificates include goods and/or services related to food, beverages, drugs, cosmetics, chemical products, biological products, genetic engineering products, as well as utilization items used, used or used by the community.

Responding to this, Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Mufti Anam, assessed that the government's policy of legalizing products without halal certification reflects unpreparedness in building an inclusive and people's side in the halal industry ecosystem.

Mufti reminded that a coercive approach in implementing the rules actually risks suppressing millions of MSME players who are currently struggling to maintain their business in the midst of global economic pressure.

"We all agree that halal is important, even mandatory. But big policies like this cannot be implemented with an announcement and threats approach," said Mufti Anam, Friday, October 10.

"Before talking about coercion, the state must reflect: is the halal certification ecosystem in Indonesia ready? Is the process simple, cheap, and free of extortion? Do the authorities and institutions have credibility? Because in reality, many business actors want to obey, but cannot afford it," continued Mufti.

According to the member of the DPR's Trade Commission, the BPJPH policy is inconsequential and reckless. Mufti did not agree with BPJH.

"I consider that starting in 2026 all products without halal certification will be considered as illegal products are inconsequential statements and reckless policies," said the legislator from the East Java II electoral district.