Bogor — In an effort to accelerate the implementation of the halal certification program, the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) in collaboration with the Halal Study Center (PSH) of the International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (LRI PGK) IPB University held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Accelerating Halal Certification for Ruminant Slaughterhouses (RPH). “
This activity is a cross-sector collaboration forum to align perceptions, identify challenges in the field, and formulate strategies to accelerate the halal certification process, especially in the RPH sector which has an important role in ensuring the halalness of animal food products.
IPB Affirms Academic Commitment in the Halal Ecosystem
The FGD activity was opened by the Head of LRI PGK IPB University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Drajat Martianto, M.Si. In his remarks, Prof. Drajat emphasized the importance of the role of universities in supporting the national halal assurance system.
“IPB University is ready to be a strategic partner in building a comprehensive and sustainable halal ecosystem, both through research, innovation, and policy assistance,” he said.
Halal Certification of RPH Still Faces Challenges
The ruminant RPH sector is the main focus of this FGD because the animal slaughtering process is a crucial element in ensuring the halalness of products. Participants observed various technical and administrative obstacles in the field, including the limited number of certified human resources and supporting infrastructure.
Cross-Sector Synergy is Key
This FGD presented representatives from BPJPH, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the livestock service, RPH business actors, and the Halal Inspection Institution (LPH). All participants expressed their commitment to strengthening the national halal system.
MUI emphasized the importance of the presence of certified and trained halal slaughterers (Juleha) according to sharia, as an absolute requirement in the halal certification process at RPH.
Towards Indonesia as the Center of the World Halal Industry
This FGD is a strategic step in building the foundation of the Indonesian halal industry. With synergy between regulators, academics, and business actors, Indonesia is expected to be able to strengthen the halal assurance system from upstream to downstream, and move towards a position as the center of the world’s halal industry.