Indonesia and Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Halal Product Assurance (JPH) aimed at increasing the volume of exports and imports between the two countries for mutual benefit. The MoU was signed by Muhammad Aqil Irham, Head of BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Agency) of Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Kadir Maideen, Chief Executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), in Singapore. Aqil Irham emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries' halal authorities, given their long-standing trade relationship and shared membership in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore Ministers of Religious Affairs (MABIMS) forum. He stated that the MoU is crucial for promoting and developing cooperation in halal product quality assurance, particularly in increasing the volume of halal product trade between the two nations.
The MoU covers areas such as halal certification and the use of halal logos, with both parties committing to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with their respective national laws and regulations. Aqil also highlighted the significance of this agreement as Indonesia prepares to implement mandatory halal certification starting in October 2024 for food, beverages, raw materials, food additives, auxiliary materials, services, and slaughter products. Kadir Maideen, Chief Executive of MUIS, praised the partnership, noting that it would ensure consistently high standards in halal certification, thus providing consumers with assured access to halal products. This collaboration, he said, represents a vital step in strengthening the relationship between BPJPH and MUIS, ensuring the availability and quality of halal products in both countries. The MoU is expected to pave the way for enhanced trade relations and contribute to the growth of the halal economy in the region.
