DPR Pushes for Establishment of Regional Halal Agency

Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (“DPR RI”), proposed the establishment of a regional Halal Product Guarantee Agency (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal - "BPJPH"). The aim is to ensure that all of the agency's programs run effectively.

“I observe that this is related to regulations. There must be institutional changes. So BPJPH should not only be at the central level, but also at the provincial, regency/city, and even sub-district levels,” Wachid told Hukumonline.

Currently, BPJPH collaborates with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Halal Inspection Agency, the Halal Product Process Facilitator, and regional governments to carry out its duties at the lower levels. Wachid believes that many types of businesses are not yet running optimally if the socialization, education, and guidance of business actors are under the ministry.

“I ask BPJPH to coordinate and the government to issue a Ministerial Regulation as the basis for the formation of regional-level institutions,” he concluded.