Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has declared its resolve to foster a more enabling ecosystem for the national halal industry to thrive, with a focus on empowering border regions.BPJPH Secretary Muhammad Aqil Irham said in a statement received here on Monday that the agency recognizes border regions’ vast economic potential, citing their role as a window into the country’s strength in halal products.“Border regions serve as the front porch of Indonesia. The products circulating in those regions are not only consumed by local residents; they also have the potential to reach markets across the borders,” he remarked.In that regard, he deemed it crucial for BPJPH to strengthen infrastructure for halal assurance services in boundary zones as part of the national strategy to bolster the development of the halal industry.“Strengthening the halal ecosystem in border regions constitutes a strategic step toward enhancing the competitiveness of national products,” Irham added.To that end, he reported that the BPJPH had introduced plans to establish a local technical executive unit (UPT) in West Kalimantan Province, which shares borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak.“The presence of a UPT in regions is expected to make facilitation processes, guidance, and mentoring programs for business actors more effective and responsive to actual needs in the field,” he explained.He added that the agency intends to use its local units to step up synergy with regional governments, agencies supporting halal product certification, higher education institutions, and other relevant stakeholders, aiming to promote an inclusive and sustainable approach to halal ecosystem growth.Irham expressed hope that the initiative would broaden halal certification access, enabling border communities to refine their products, build consumer confidence, and pursue wider market opportunities.“This effort is part of the government’s commitment to supporting economic growth based on halal products and solidifying Indonesia’s position in the global halal industry landscape,” he concluded.