MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Institute for Halal Inspection and Halalan Thayyiban Studies (LPHKHT) is promoting halal certification for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by establishing Halal Centers in 21 Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah Higher Education institutions (PTMA) across Indonesia.
The Halal Centers are committed to assisting MSMEs throughout the process, from preparation to obtaining the Halal certification. The LPHKHT has been accredited as a Halal Inspection Institution by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
According to Sri Wuri Handono, the Head of the Expert Division at the LPHKHT, halal certification serves as a way of Islamic preaching, emphasizing the importance of consuming halal and thayyib (wholesome) products, as commanded in the Qur’an surah al-Baqarah verse 168 and 172.
“Halal simply refers to a product, whether it’s food, medicine, cosmetics, or other consumer goods, which does not contain any forbidden (haram or najis) components. Besides, thayyib, refers to products that possess positive characteristics and qualities, such as good taste, appearance, durability, and safety for consumption from a health perspective,” said Sri Wuri Handono on Friday (August 4).
The LPHKHT provides comprehensive services that include research and studies aimed at improving the competitiveness of the halal industry and addressing challenges posed by emerging innovations.
“We conduct comprehensive studies on various halal aspects, including Shariah compliance and process and product technologies. These valuable contributions are essential for the industry to meet consumer demands and expectations in the halal sector,” said Sri Wuri Handono.
This year, LPHKHT Muhammadiyah has teamed up with Danone Indonesia to strengthen and support MSMEs, as stated by Wuri.
The partnership is aimed at streamlining halal certification through the Self-Declare program and regular certification for MSMEs. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen Muhammadiyah’s halal human resources through formal training provided by halal auditors and experts.
This collaboration also strengthens Danone’s commitment to upholding halal standards for various products.
“We ensure the halal status of Danone Indonesia’s products through certifications from authorized institutions like the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the BPJPH. Besides, we invite other relevant parties that may not have concerned with halal status yet to participate in and support this halal certification initiative,” said Prima Sehanputri, the Head of Regulatory Affairs of Danone Indonesia.
