Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has begun coordinating with relevant government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, ahead of plans to implement mandatory halal certification starting on October 18.In a statement issued on Monday, BPJPH Secretary Muhammad Aqil Irham said the agency has also engaged the Ministry of Investment and the National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS).”This step is part of our ongoing coordination efforts to strengthen synergy and improve stakeholder readiness ahead of the program's implementation, which will mandate halal certification for certain product categories,” he said.Irham said the requirement is mandated under the 2014 Halal Product Assurance Law and reinforced by Government Regulation No. 4 of 2024 on halal product assurance.”With that in mind, it is crucial that all relevant ministries and state institutions align their visions and policies to ensure the mandatory halal program runs optimally,” he added.He said BPJPH has discussed the program's scope, regulatory aspects, and supporting ecosystem with relevant institutions, stressing the importance of cross-sector synergy to expand access to halal certification services.Irham also highlighted the policy's potential benefits for the business community, particularly micro and small enterprises.He said the criteria for businesses and products subject to the mandatory halal certification in 2026 were stipulated in a BPJPH decree issued last year.BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan earlier said that the halal certification requirement serves as a government instrument to ensure legal certainty and consumer protection.He said halal certification plays a key role in building consumer trust while enhancing the competitiveness and global reach of Indonesian products.”Halal certification should be positioned as a competitive advantage, a pillar of consumer protection, and a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Hasan said.