The province of Bangka Belitung, through the Department of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM), has issued 255 halal certificates for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (UMKM) in a move to enhance product quality. The certificates were handed over to UMKM entrepreneurs from six districts/cities in Bangka Belitung, with the aim of boosting consumer confidence and subsequently improving marketability. Acting Governor Safrizal ZA expressed the significance of halal certification in ensuring that products are genuinely halal for consumption, emphasizing it as a tool for UMKM to penetrate both local and international markets' competitive advantages. He highlighted that halal-certified products contribute to enhancing global trust in Indonesia, considering the majority of the population follows Islam, and Indonesia ranks as the fourth-largest potential Sharia economy globally. The integration of UMKM into the "halal in board" digital platform enhances efficiency and expands marketing channels, both domestically and internationally. Post-pandemic, the food and beverage sector emerges as a high-potential focus for the development of national and international halal UMKM.
Riza Aryani, the Head of the Department of Cooperatives and UMKM in Bangka Belitung, noted the government's target for all UMKM products to be halal certified by October 18, 2024. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve this goal, highlighting the significance of the "sehati" program (free halal certification) and encouraging UMKM to participate in it. This initiative not only reinforces the commitment to ensuring the halal integrity of local products but also positions UMKM entrepreneurs to benefit from the growing demand for halal products, both domestically and internationally. The move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Indonesia's global economic standing and promote the country as a hub for halal products and services.
Source : https://m.antaranews.com/amp/berita/3889605/pemprov-babel-terbitkan-255-sertifikat-halal-pelaku-umkm
