Indonesia is set to enforce mandatory halal certification starting October 2026

Starting October 2026, Indonesia will enforce mandatory halal certification which aims to strengthen consumer protection and boost the country’s competitiveness in the global halal supply chain.

According to ANTARA, the head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan said, halal certification is a state instrument to establish legal certainty and consumer protection.

Subsequently, he added that halal certification also delivers economic value through market access expansion, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) who represent a major part of Indonesia’s consumer goods sector. 

"Halal certification should be positioned as a competitive advantage, a pillar of consumer protection, and a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth," he said in a statement.

The head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan. (photo credit: BPJPH)

Haikal said, halal standards have now evolved into a global quality benchmark that emphasizes on consumer satisfaction, stretching beyond religious obligation or regulatory requirement. 

"Halal represents cleanliness, health, safety and quality. Today, halal is a market need, not merely a regulation," he said.

For record, the mandatory halal policy is mandated under the 2014 Halal Product Assurance Law and reinforced by a 2024 government regulation governing halal certification implementation.

Haikal said, the detailed criteria and guidance for businesses and products subject to the 2026 requirement are available through the BPJPH's official website.

At the same time, BPJPH is also expanding its strategic cooperation with industry groups and community organizations to reinforce Indonesia halal ecosystem.

MSMEs ensure that the daily needs of Indonesian consumers are met, simultaneously making them the backbone of halal ecosystem in the country. (photo credit: Digital Wages)

Haikal said, this includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a national market traders association aimed at promoting outreach, education as well as awareness on halal certification.

He stated that traditional markets are the key distribution points integral to the daily consumer goods across Indonesia.

Aside from supporting market-based businesses– particularly MSME – in meeting halal certification requirements, the initiative will also build an inclusive and sustainable halal ecosystem by improving access, guidance and certification readiness.

Recognizing that market traders stand at the frontline of the halal ecosystem, he noted that the cooperation is expected to provide businesses with better understanding, assistance as well as access to halal certification.