Palembang, NU Online
Authorities in South Sumatra have stepped up supervision on halal products (permissible under Islamic law) ahead of the Ramadan fasting month, commencing early September.
"However, the outcome was astounding, as only six out of 1,552 companies, registered as active in the food and beverage industry in 15 regencies and municipalities in the province, have obtained halal certification, as of August this year," said the head of the South Sumatra chapter of the Institute for the Study on Food, Medicine and Cosmetics of the Indonesia Ulema Council (LPPOM-MUI), Nazaruddin Ilyas, in Palembang on Thursday.<>
He added that this situation prevailed despite the presence of LPPOM-MUI in the province since 2007.
The limited number of businesses applying for halal certificates for their products was attributed to various bureaucratic snags and the absence of a provincial ordinance, not to mention the obstacles faced in coordinating with the Food and Drug Agency at the provincial health office, despite repeated attempts to do so.
"Other factors include lack of awareness and limited funds on the part of businessmen, thus creating difficulties for LPPOM-MUI in issuing the certificates," said Nazaruddin as quoted by The Jakarta Post.
He urged businesses -- small, medium or large-scale -- involved in the food sector to immediately apply for halal certificates for their products, especially ahead of Ramadan, because the existence on the market of many food products without halal labels has stirred public anxiety.
"The food producers should have the sense and initiative to obtain the halal label, especially nearing Ramadan, because their food products are mainly consumed by Muslims," said Nazaruddin.
According to him, a halal label for a food item costs around Rp 720,000 (US$80.00) to obtain and is valid for six months. It is extendable every six months.
"Those found with expired halal certificates can face up to five years in prison and be fined up to Rp 1 billion," said Nazaruddin.
He has urged the provincial administration to issue a legal umbrella in the form of an ordinance. His office has submitted a draft bylaw to the governor but it has not yet been deliberated at the legislature.
"We only refer to the law on consumers' protection so far. If there was an ordinance we would be able to conduct random inspections and slap on stiff penalties for non compliance," he said.
Head of Small and Medium Enterprises division at the South Sumatra Industry and Trade Office Jani Laily said her office had repeatedly extended the call by LPPOM-MUI to food producers.
The small number of halal certificates being issued, according to Jani, is due to the high cost of applications, as well as the increase in fuel prices.
"We have repeatedly publicized this, but not every businessman can afford to apply for a label due to the high cost of getting one and the increase in fuel prices," she said. (dar)
Authorities in South Sumatra have stepped up supervision on halal products (permissible under Islamic law) ahead of the Ramadan fasting month, commencing early September.
"However, the outcome was astounding, as only six out of 1,552 companies, registered as active in the food and beverage industry in 15 regencies and municipalities in the province, have obtained halal certification, as of August this year," said the head of the South Sumatra chapter of the Institute for the Study on Food, Medicine and Cosmetics of the Indonesia Ulema Council (LPPOM-MUI), Nazaruddin Ilyas, in Palembang on Thursday.<>
He added that this situation prevailed despite the presence of LPPOM-MUI in the province since 2007.
The limited number of businesses applying for halal certificates for their products was attributed to various bureaucratic snags and the absence of a provincial ordinance, not to mention the obstacles faced in coordinating with the Food and Drug Agency at the provincial health office, despite repeated attempts to do so.
"Other factors include lack of awareness and limited funds on the part of businessmen, thus creating difficulties for LPPOM-MUI in issuing the certificates," said Nazaruddin as quoted by The Jakarta Post.
He urged businesses -- small, medium or large-scale -- involved in the food sector to immediately apply for halal certificates for their products, especially ahead of Ramadan, because the existence on the market of many food products without halal labels has stirred public anxiety.
"The food producers should have the sense and initiative to obtain the halal label, especially nearing Ramadan, because their food products are mainly consumed by Muslims," said Nazaruddin.
According to him, a halal label for a food item costs around Rp 720,000 (US$80.00) to obtain and is valid for six months. It is extendable every six months.
"Those found with expired halal certificates can face up to five years in prison and be fined up to Rp 1 billion," said Nazaruddin.
He has urged the provincial administration to issue a legal umbrella in the form of an ordinance. His office has submitted a draft bylaw to the governor but it has not yet been deliberated at the legislature.
"We only refer to the law on consumers' protection so far. If there was an ordinance we would be able to conduct random inspections and slap on stiff penalties for non compliance," he said.
Head of Small and Medium Enterprises division at the South Sumatra Industry and Trade Office Jani Laily said her office had repeatedly extended the call by LPPOM-MUI to food producers.
The small number of halal certificates being issued, according to Jani, is due to the high cost of applications, as well as the increase in fuel prices.
"We have repeatedly publicized this, but not every businessman can afford to apply for a label due to the high cost of getting one and the increase in fuel prices," she said. (dar)
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