Indonesian university to assist new government organisation as ‘halal guarantor’

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The University of Indonesia’s (UI) new Halal Centre is now assisting the government’s recently-formed Halal Products Certification Agency (BPJPH) on halal certification and testing.

Various Muslim organisations, such as the Al Irsyad Al Islamiyyah institution and Malaysia’s Management & Science University (MSU), will assist the UI Halal Centre on product research to determine if they are suitable to be halal-certified.

Role of the UI Halal Centre

The UI Halal Centre’s role includes providing testing services, consultation and the advocacy of halal-certification services, and education and advocacy of halal products and services.

Furthermore, it will conduct scientific and Islamic studies for the development of the halal industry, including in training, education and consumer empowerment programmes.

Authority of MUI altered

In October, the government revoked the authority of MUI — the country’s top Islamic clerical body — to certify halal products, while the BPJPH was inaugurated by Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Halim Saifuddin.

Then, Prof Sukoso clarified that the new BPJPH had the authority to issue, revoke and manage all administration related to the halal certification of domestic and imported products, while MUI still has the authority to issue halal edicts.

MUI had faced criticism for being unclear on its processes.

.