KBRN, Jakarta: As the countdown to Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification begins, the government is framing the upcoming policy as a cornerstone of national economic strategy. 

Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH), asserted on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, that the "Mandatory Halal 2026" program, set to take full effect in October 2026, is designed to transform Indonesia into a global leader in the halal economy while simultaneously safeguarding public health.

In a statement released in Jakarta, Haikal, commonly known as Babeh Haikal, argued that the certification mandate should not be viewed merely as a bureaucratic hurdle. Instead, it serves as a powerful instrument to protect consumers and elevate the quality of domestic products on the international stage. 

"Halal certification is not merely a regulatory obligation, but a strategic instrument to protect consumers, increase product competitiveness, and strengthen the national halal economy," he remarked, emphasizing its role in building a robust national economic identity, as quoted by Antara.

The vision for Mandatory Halal 2026 extends beyond economics to human development. Haikal noted that ensuring the integrity of daily consumption is essential to building a healthy and resilient Indonesian society. 

He noted that the halal standard requires strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and overall quality. 

"Halal products not only meet religious requirements but also emphasize the principles of cleanliness, safety, hygiene, and quality, which are essential foundations for human resource resilience," Haikal added.

The enforcement, which officially begins on October 18, 2026, will encompass a wide array of sectors. The first wave of mandatory certification includes food and beverage products; raw materials, food additives, and processing aids; and slaughtering products and services. 

Crucially, this applies to all business levels, including micro and small enterprises (MSEs), as well as to imported products.

The scope of the 2026 mandate further expands into lifestyle and healthcare categories. Certification will be required for natural medicines, quasi-drugs, and health supplements; cosmetics, chemical products, and genetically engineered products; and consumer goods such as clothing, head coverings, and accessories. 

Additionally, the policy covers household health supplies, Muslim prayer equipment, stationery, office supplies, and Class A risk medical devices. 

By standardizing these sectors, the BPJPH aims to create an inclusive and transparent ecosystem that ensures every product used by Indonesian citizens meets the highest standards of religious and physical safety. ***