Indonesian Ministry of Religion Urges Restaurant to Get Halal Certification After Pork Rendang Controversy

JAKARTADAILY.ID – There was an uproar on social media last weekend after Indonesian netizens found out about a restaurant selling Pork Rendang. 

Responding to the media frenzy with their own brand of absurdity, the Ministry of Religion appealed to restaurant entrepreneurs to immediately apply for halal certification.

There are no laws in Islam or in Indonesia that regulate whether or not a person or restaurant can make or sell rendang using pork meat, especially if said restaurant literally has the word "babi" meaning pork in its name.

"This halal certification is important to provide certainty, security, and protection for consumers in choosing halal products. This must be done by all business actors, including restaurant owners who we know usually provide halal food such as Padang restaurants," said the Head of the Guarantee Agency Halal Products (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham, in his statement on Monday, June 13, 2022.

Previously, the Governor of West Sumatra Mahyeldi also suggested that Padang cuisine in various regions in Indonesia be certified by the Minangkabau Family Association (IKM).

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In response to this, Aqil encouraged the West Sumatra Regional Government and IKM to urge Padang restaurants to register for halal certification at BPJPH.

"I have met the Governor of West Sumatra twice to talk about guaranteeing halal products. So we hope that the West Sumatra Regional Government and IKM can help to appeal to every Padang restaurant and other business actors to register for halal certification at BPJPH," said Aqil.

He added that based on the Halal Product Guarantee (JPH) regulations, the obligation for halal certificates for food, beverage, slaughter, and butchering services products has started from October 17, 2019, to October 17, 2024.

"Although there is still time until 2024, it is better for food and beverage businesses to register at BPJPH immediately for the halal certificate process," he said.

Also Read: Ministry of Religion Supports Domestic Products Through Free Halal Certificate (Sehati) Program

Currently, continued Aqil, filing for halal certification is quite easy and inexpensive.

"Each business actor only needs to access ptsp.halal.go.id to register for halal certification. The guidelines are quite clear there," concluded Aqil.

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