Halal label polemic: Can Islam unite Indonesia?

Who would have thought, a halal label on food packaging can ignite the long debate in this country? Yes, that is what happened to the mandatory halal certification policy that was rolled out by the government in recent years. There are those who fully support, some are worried about their impact on the diversity of Indonesia. Then, is it possible that the Islamic Shari’a is a unifying bridge of this pluralistic nation? Let’s explore deeper about the polemic of the halal label and how it impact on the unity of Indonesia.

What is a halal label and why is it controversial?

Remember the case of “Widuran Fried Chicken” in Solo a few months ago? The legendary fried chicken stall, which has been serving for decades of Solo and migrants for decades, suddenly went viral because it turned out that the product was non-halal. The material used is not halal, but the owner has claimed his products for several years. This case illustrates how complex the implementation of halal label policies in the government and the Indonesian people.

The halal label is basically a sign that a product has fulfilled the Islamic law in its production process. Starting from raw materials, the manufacturing process, to storage must be free from forbidden elements such as pigs, alcohol, or unclean contaminated materials.

Halal Product Guarantee Policy (JPH) stipulated in Law No. 33 of 2014 actually aims well: protect Indonesian Muslim consumers who number 87% of the total population. However, the implementation actually reaps controversy. Why? Because there is a concern that this policy can be seen as a form of “Islamization” towards non-Muslim groups. MSMEs and traditional traders who have been living harmoniously suddenly have to take care of halal certificates whose process is complicated and the cost is not small.

What is the Quran about halal?

In Islam, the problem of halal and illegal is very basic. Allah Almighty says in the Koran:

Hey, who are the people who believe in you from what we have given you and thank God, if you serve

It means: “O you who believe, eat some good fortune that we have given you and thank God, if you really worship.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 172)

This verse confirms that Muslims are obliged to consume halal and thoyyib (good) food. However, the question: Is this obligation must be forced to all parties, including non-Muslims? The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in its fatwa stated that halal certification was an effort to provide legal certainty for Muslim consumers. However, MUI also stressed that its implementation must pay attention to the pluralistic social conditions of Indonesian society.

How big is the impact of halal labels?

Based on data from the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), up to 2023 there have been more than 150,000 halal certificates issued for various products. This figure shows the enthusiasm of business actors against halal certification. However, the Indonesian MSME Association survey shows that 60% of MSMEs still have difficulty taking care of halal certificates because of complicated costs and procedures.

Certification costs range from Rp. 1-5 million for MSMEs, while for large companies it can reach tens of millions of rupiah. On the positive side, the Indonesian halal industry recorded 8% growth per year. According to the State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, Indonesia ranked 4th in the world in the global sharia economy with a transaction value of $ 370 billion. From this data, Indonesia with the world’s largest Muslim population actually has a golden opportunity to become a major player in the global halal market.

With a credible halal certification system, Indonesian products can more easily enter the Middle East, Malaysian, Singaporean markets, and countries with significant Muslim populations. This is not only a matter of religion, but also an intelligent economic strategy. According to some experts, Indonesia has the potential to become the center of the world’s sharia economy. This target is not a figment, considering that Indonesia has abundant natural resources and great labor to support the Indonesian halal industry.

Implementation Challenges: Between Ideal and Reality

The problem is, implementation in the field is not as easy as a concept on paper. Some challenges that arise: first, costs and procedures. Halal certification requires a lot of costs, especially for MSMEs. The audit process, inspection of raw materials, to periodic monitoring makes many small business actors overwhelmed.

Second, diverse understanding. Not all Muslims have the same understanding of halal. Some are very tight, some are more flexible. Not to mention the difference between schools that sometimes affect interpretation. Third, resistance from minority groups Several non-Muslim groups feel this policy is discriminatory. They worry that they will be eliminated from the market they have been working on.

So, how is the solution? Some steps that can be considered; a) Provide time leeway and subsidies for MSMEs in managing halal certificates. The government can work with Islamic banking to provide special soft loans for halal certification. b) Mass education to the public that halal labels are not discrimination, but quality assurance. Just like the SNI label or organic certificate, this is a standard for protecting consumers. c) Involves interfaith figures in socialization. When non-Islamic religious leaders also explain the importance of halal standards for their Muslim neighbors, resistance will be reduced.

Conclusion: Islamic Sharia as a Unifying Indonesia?

Back to the initial question: Can the Shari’a unite Indonesia? The answer is: Can, as long as the implementation is wise and inclusive. Islamic Sharia, including the concept of halal, basically teach universal goodness: cleanliness, health, and honesty. These values ​​are in line with the principles adopted by other religions.

The halal label is not about Islamizing Indonesia, but about providing quality assurance to the majority of consumers while still respecting the diversity of Indonesia. With the right approach, this policy can actually be an example of how Islamic Sharia can contribute positively to the progress of the nation without sacrificing diversity.

The most important thing is the good intentions of all parties to understand each other and look for common ground. Because in the end, what unites us is not only religion or belief, but also shared ideals for Indonesia’s advanced, fair, and prosperous. Wallahu a’lam bishawab.

Also read: FIKIH Minority: Answers to Western Muslim Complaints

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Author: Arumka, Video of Digital Marketing Managers.

Editor: Muh. Sutan