PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Agency (BPJPH), Haikal Hassan Baras, officially opened the Halal Certification Socialization for SPPG Garut Regency which was held at the Pendopo Building, Garut City District, Garut Regency, Monday (25/5/2026).

The Head of BPJPH commended the Garut Regency Government's commitment, which he considered progressive in encouraging the implementation of halal certification. He stated that Garut Regency is one of the regions that places significant emphasis on halal product development.

"So, our visit is to convey encouragement and appreciation to the extraordinary Regent, because the Regent is very concerned about halal issues," said Haikal Hassan Baras.

The Head of BPJPH emphasized that the concept of halal cannot be interpreted narrowly. Halal certification is a crucial instrument in building a clean and healthy culture and producing high-quality food products.

Halal certification is also an important factor in increasing the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

"Halal is to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs, because many MSMEs from foreign countries like China, Korea, and Japan enter Indonesia with the halal label. If our local MSMEs don't improve, we won't be chosen by the public.

"Psychologically, people will definitely choose food that has a halal label, especially since Garut is known as the City of Islamic Students," he explained.

The BPJPH (Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) has deployed 100 SPPG (Halal Product Producing Agency) supervisors to Garut Regency to support the acceleration of halal certification. This step aligns with the directive of President Prabowo Subianto regarding the fulfillment of three key aspects of consumer products: hygiene certification, quality nutrition certification, and halal certification.

"This is very necessary, so that our children and future generations can eat halal, high-quality, nutritious, and hygienic food," Haikal added.

The Head of BPJPH also reminded MSMEs to take advantage of the SEHATI (Free Halal Certification) program provided by the government free of charge.

Meanwhile, Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin welcomed the presence of the Head of BPJPH at the event. He stated that the central government's support provides a positive boost in strengthening the halal product ecosystem, which has a direct impact on improving the regional economy.

"In most countries, nearly 90 percent of consumers consider halal certification as a primary criterion for purchasing a product. This will provide a significant opportunity for our local products, ensuring we don't lose out to foreign products," said the Garut Regent.

The Garut Regency Government is committed to continuously strengthening collaboration with BPJPH (Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) in expanding the implementation of halal certification. Regarding the SPPG (Halal Certification Certification) program, the Regent hopes that all units will meet the standards set by the central government to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the national program.

The Garut Regent also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of local MSMEs involved in the SPPG ecosystem. The Garut Regency Government will continue to push for regulatory adjustments so that SPPG can absorb more local products from Garut. (Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)