Shanghai (Kemenag) --- The Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed the commitment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) to simplify the assessment process for Foreign Halal Institutions (LHLN). This was stated by Minister Yaqut when he met LHLN representatives during his visit to Shanghai, China.

Accompanying the Minister, the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) of the Muhammad Aqil Irham, the Secretary to the Minister Sidik Sisdiyanto, as well as LHLN assessors.

"Previously, the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia received information that several foreign halal institutions were experiencing difficulties in carrying out the halal assessment and certification process," said the Minister Yaqut, Monday (9/10/2023).

"As the minister who is in charge of BPJPH, regarding halal certification, I am asked to provide convenience to countries that want to take care of both certification and assessment of their halal institutions. We are trying to make this easier," continued the Minister Yaqut.

The meeting were attended by the Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Shanghai Faramela Azania, the Head of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Shanghai Adhi Kusuma Yudha Halim, as well as the LHLN representatives from China. The Minister Yaqut said that the commitment to simplify the LHLN assessment process was none other than to expedite the implementation of mandatory halal in 2024.

"Later, please discuss it with the Head of BPJPH and his staffs so that a solution can be found. Because next October, the halal mandate will come into effect. So, all foreign products entering Indonesia must be certified halal. "Otherwise, you cannot enter Indonesia," explained the Minister.

"Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the halal standards of existing countries," he continued.

The plan is that during this visit, BPJPH will also carry out assessments of five LHLN from China, namely: Shandong Halal Certification Services (SHC), Halal Certification Services, Shaanxi Shang Pin Yuan Halal Food & Restaurant Management Co., Ltd (SSPY), Al- Baqara Certification, and Islamic Food Research Center Co., Ltd. ][