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| A Student Creativity Program team in Humanities Research at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). (Photo: Istimewa) |
Seventy-three of one hundred and fifty-three Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Malang City, which are in the food industries, have not had halal certification yet. This idea is the finding of a Student Creativity Program team in Humanities Research from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). The group, which consists of Sinta Krismaya, Ikhdazahrotuni Saaul Mufidah, Wangi Mawar Taqwani, and Yoga Adiwinata Prayitno, managed to find the data from their research entitled “Halal Awareness: Analisis Kesiapan UMKM Industri Pangan di kota Malang dalam Mengadopsi Halal Certification”.
One team member, Ikhdazahrotunni Saaul Mufidah, said many challenges hinder an MSME from being halal certified, including financial issues.
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"The significant constraining factors include limited resources, lack of understanding of the procedures and benefits of halal certification, and costs associated with the certification process," said the accounting student.
From the research finding, Ikhda and her team also highlighted the importance of education and understanding of halal certification, not only from consumers’ perspective but also producers’. Hence, providing provisions and directions for MSMEs actors is necessary to gain sufficient understanding.
“Halal is not only related to the product materials and production process but also covers all aspects of the product, including its name,” asserted she.
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According to the team, if examined, halal certification can actually increase buyer interest and market share. Referring to the finding, the group led by Fahmi Dwi Mawardi, S.E., expects the government to play a more active role—especially in socializing the importance of halal certification.
“Hopefully, our finding will be a real contribution to MSMEs focusing on the food industry in Malang City so that they can be more prepared and competent in adopting halal certification. Therefore, the public can also trust and enjoy halal products from the growing tourist city,” concluded Ikhda. (imh/lai/wil)
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