Jakarta. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to halal product guarantees in the newly signed trade deal with the US.

Senior economic minister Airlangga Hartarto recently met with the leadership of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Airlangga gave his word that the imported goods would still comply with the sharia law and national regulations on the halal product guarantee. This way, the government can ensure the interests of the Indonesian Muslims at home and national economic sovereignty.

"Halal is an absolute requirement, especially for food and beverages entering Indonesia. There's also a halal mechanism through the mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) in Indonesia. Such agreements ensure that imports of goods, especially food and beverages, meet the halal standards," Airlangga was quoted as saying in a press statement.

An MRA sees Indonesia recognizing certificates issued by foreign halal certifiers. There are currently five American certifiers that have obtained such agreements with Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). They are IFANCA, AHF, ISA, HTO, and ISWA through the Halal Certification Department.

At present, 38 countries have established MRA schemes with Indonesia. This agreement enables certified products to enter Indonesia without a double certification process. This applies to agricultural products, particularly meat and slaughtered products. Indonesia accepts US slaughter practices that comply with Islamic law, or the standards of the SMIIC (Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries) under the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). These standards have harmonized halal and metrology regulations globally. BPJPH has also conducted direct audits of halal institutions there to ensure compliance.

"The government will also continue to be in coordination with the MUI as the primary umbrella for halal certification in Indonesia," Airlangga said.