Indonesia's BPJPH drives halal literacy and signs Australia cooperation MoU

The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) says strengthening halal literacy is crucial for the successful rollout of the mandatory halal certification regime that will take effect on 18 October 2026. Secretary‑General Muhammad Aqil Irham emphasized that an informed public will become smarter consumers and that businesses will be motivated to meet the new certification requirements, viewing halal labeling as a competitive advantage.

In parallel, BPJPH formalised a cooperation agreement with Australia. The MoU was signed in Jakarta by BPJPH head Dr Ahmad Haikal Hasan and Australian representative Gita Kamath, with Australian Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite present. The pact aims to facilitate the exchange of technical information, capacity‑building and mutual recognition to smooth trade in certified halal products, especially Australian dairy, meat and other agricultural goods, as Indonesia moves toward the mandatory certification system.

Both initiatives are linked to Indonesia’s broader effort to build a robust halal ecosystem that protects consumers and enhances the competitiveness of Indonesian and partner‑country producers in the global market.