Indonesia postpones mandatory halal certification for MSMEs to 2028

The Indonesian government has extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from October 18, 2026, to October 17, 2028. President Prabowo Subianto ordered the two-year postponement following feedback from business owners regarding the administrative and operational burdens of preparing required documentation.

Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman emphasized that while the deadline is extended, certification remains a legal obligation under Law Number 33 of 2014. However, the decision has drawn criticism from various sectors. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed regret over the delay, arguing that the state should prioritize the rights of Muslim citizens to receive guaranteed halal products.

Observers and industry leaders have also raised concerns regarding policy consistency, noting that this is not the first time the deadline has been shifted. Critics question whether the delay impacts Indonesia's ambitions to become a global leader in the halal industry.