Indonesian officials address halal labeling and youth leadership

During the final of the 2026 National Creative Marching and Flag Hoisting Competition (LKBB-PB) at the Senayan Parliament Complex in Jakarta, Indonesian officials addressed religious consumer rights and youth leadership.

Hidayat Nur Wahid, Vice Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and member of Commission VIII of the DPR, expressed support for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) regarding food labeling. He emphasized that 'no pork, no lard' labels on menus or business premises are not substitutes for official halal certification. While such labels indicate the absence of pork or lard, they do not guarantee the entire halal process, which includes raw materials, processing, equipment, storage, packaging, distribution, and slaughtering methods. HNW urged business owners not to mislead consumers into equating the absence of specific ingredients with full halal certification.

Separately, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani spoke to the competition participants, describing the event as a tool for leadership education for the younger generation. He stated that the competition serves to foster patriotism and an understanding of the nation's constitution and Pancasila, encouraging students to become future leaders who prioritize national interests.