Jakarta — The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) of the Republic of Indonesia continues to strengthen international cooperation on Halal Product Assurance (JPH) with various stakeholders across countries to reinforce the global halal ecosystem. This effort was reflected in a strategic meeting between BPJPH and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), held at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta on Tuesday (February 4, 2026).

The meeting discussed efforts to enhance trade quality as part of strengthening bilateral cooperation in halal product trade in a reciprocal and mutually beneficial manner.

“Through this meeting, BPJPH RI and USDA reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in agricultural trade, creating a more transparent and efficient halal certification process, and delivering tangible benefits for farmers, business actors, and consumers in both Indonesia and the United States,” said Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan.

The Head of BPJPH also expressed appreciation for the United States’ commitment to developing a halal ecosystem since the 1980s. Furthermore, both parties reaffirmed that, in accordance with statutory regulations, Indonesia mandates halal certification for products entering, circulating, and traded in the country to ensure the fulfillment and availability of halal products for the public.

The USDA delegation also conveyed the U.S. strategic plan to expand agricultural trade through the overseas engagement initiative, targeting cooperation with six countries within one year, with Indonesia identified as a key partner. The United States noted strong interest from its farmers and businesses to increase exports of agricultural products by committing to comply with applicable halal standards. Key commodities targeted for optimized imports from the United States include soybeans, meat products, and dairy products, all of which must comply with Indonesia’s established halal protocols.

Both parties also highlighted the importance of BPJPH’s recognition of U.S Halal Certification Bodies. This effort is expected to create a more efficient, transparent, and mutually beneficial halal certification process, while also driving business growth in both countries. The discussion further addressed challenges related to differences in halal standards across countries, which necessitate improvements in production facilities to meet compliance with Halal Product Process (PPH) standards.

Overall, the bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment of BPJPH and USDA to strengthening halal-based agricultural trade, building a more integrated halal certification process, and providing tangible benefits for farmers, business actors, and consumers in Indonesia and the United States.

For information, attendees at the meeting included BPJPH Director of Partnerships and Cooperation Fertiana Santy, U.S. Embassy Jakarta Agricultural Attaché Lisa Ahramjian, U.S. Embassy Jakarta Agricultural Attaché Kristi Schammel, and local staff at the U.S. Embassy, Titi.