Indonesia delays mandatory halal certification for MSMEs until 2028

The Indonesian government has postponed the mandatory halal certification requirement for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) until 2028. The decision follows directives from President Prabowo Subianto after receiving feedback from business owners regarding the challenges of meeting certification standards.

Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman stated that the previous deadline of October 18, 2026, was extended to allow businesses more time to navigate administrative hurdles. The government's free certification program, known as Sehati, has struggled to meet its target of 1.35 million certified MSMEs due to difficulties in preparing necessary documentation.

In support of MSME development, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) has been conducting workshops in regions such as Cibubur and Pontianak to provide free halal certification assistance and digital banking services, including QRIS access, to help small businesses increase competitiveness and consumer trust.