JAKARTA - The government continues to ensure halal products within the country through the implementation of halal certification requirements. One of the ongoing efforts is to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH).

SJPH is a standard developed with the aim of ensuring the quality and halal status of products. When implemented correctly, businesses can maintain the quality of their products.

In the context of educating halal certification, the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) through Politeknik APP Jakarta, the Halal Institute, and PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk (DVLA) conducted online training for the Implementation of SJPH Manual for 33 SMEs in the West Java and Jakarta regions on Tuesday (10/10).

SJ Arifin, the Secretary-General of the Halal Institute, stated that this collaboration is a positive step to expand the implementation of SJPH within the country. "This is a good partnership to encourage SMEs to adopt SJPH. I hope that SJPH continues to develop," he explained.

He added that this can enhance competence in implementing SJPH, increase the market share of SMEs' products, and aid in obtaining halal certification. This program is also in line with the government's efforts to expedite the national halal certification program.

"With the assistance of this program from PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria, it facilitates facilitators in providing education and financing support for halal product training and certification for businesses," Arifin exclaimed.

Meanwhile, the Head of Legal & Corporate Secretary of Darya-Varia, Widya Olivia Tobing, mentioned that this training will have a positive impact on helping businesses continue to grow. Moreover, Indonesia has significant potential to become a hub for the halal industry due to the majority of its population being Muslim. However, there are challenges in educating the public about the economic growth potential.

"These programs need to be carried out continuously to strengthen the national halal ecosystem," she concluded.

For your information, according to SMESCO 2019 data, there are 274,796 halal-certified products out of a total of 963,411, and 13,951 halal-certified companies out of a total of 69,577 companies.