Religious Affairs Ministry Offers Free Halal Certification for 25,000 MSEs

The launching of Free Halal Certification Program for Micro and Small-sized Enterprises, Wednesday (09/08/2021). (Photo by: PR of Ministry of Religious Affairs)

Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Certification Agency (BPJPH) has opened applications for Free Halal Certification Program for Micro and Small-sized Enterprises (MSEs) – known as Sehati Program.

The Program which was launched back in 2021 is a collaboration between Ministry of Religious Affairs, a number of state institutions, other ministries, private sector, digital platforms, banking sector and regional governments.

“Sehati Program will be opened from March to December 2022; all-year long. MSEs that will apply for the program will receive several priorities. Quota allocation for the free program this year is 25 thousand beneficiaries,” Head of BPJPH Muhammad Aqil Irham said on Monday (03/21).

Aqil said that the Ministry only facilitated 25 thousand MSEs meeting requirements for halal-self-declare. As for other MSEs that failed to meet the requirements, they can apply for free halal certification from other ministries, institutions, regional governments, banking sector, and private institutions based on their respective policies.

“In 2021, there were 112 institutions/facilitators that provided free halal certification for MSEs. The total budget allocation for the program stood at Rp16.5 billion for 7,160 beneficiaries,” he added.

He went on to say that budget to finance the program at ministries/institutions excluding the Ministry of Religious Affairs is being deliberated with related parties. The BPJPH had communicated with various sides including ministries, state institutions, business associations, regional heads, and banking sector to encourage them to give financial support for the free halal certification program. (PR of Ministry of Religious Affairs/MAY/UN) (RAS/MUR)