Indonesia expands free halal certification for 500,000 UMKM and strengthens licensing in Papua

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) announced a program to provide free halal certification for roughly 500,000 Indonesian UMKM by October 2026. Minister Maman Abdurrahman said the scheme will be delivered with the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) to help firms meet market requirements and expand consumer trust. The ministry also highlighted the Sapa UMKM platform, which will link entrepreneurs to financing, training, licensing and other support services.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk, during a visit to Jayapura, urged UMKM operators in Papua to complete product licensing and obtain necessary permits, including halal certification. She noted that about 66,000 UMKM are active in the province, with around 70% already receiving assistance on legal matters. Local officials said the push aims to improve competitiveness and enable Papua’s products to reach national and international markets.