The Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah Malang, the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association of Malang, and the UMM Halal Product Research and Development Study Center held a collaborative workshop and training on halal certification (Photo: Zafira PR) |
The majority of Indonesian people are Muslims, no wonder that halal certification of food and beverage products is considered very important. Therefore, the Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah Malang, the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association of Malang, and the Center for Research and Development of Halal Products at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) are collaborating with each other. They held a workshop and training on halal certification on August 31st.
“The workshop aims to increase halal awareness and the importance of halal certification for SMEs and local entrepreneurs. Moreover, we also want to build a halal ecosystem and halal industrial area, especially those in Malang,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Elfi Anis Sa'ati, M.P., as Head of the UMM Center for Research and Development of Halal Products.
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The workshop also gave an explanation of what halal awareness is, the importance of halal, and how to brand a business. However, there is also a technical explanation regarding how SMEs can prepare some of the files needed to be uploaded into the halal product assurance system (SCPH) form. Moreover, seeing the reality that the seminar participants have not yet had a halal certificate. Hopefully, they can start applying for products and be assisted by the team.
Elfi, her nickname, explained that halal certification is important as a quality improvement from the aspect of licensing, product legality requirements, and increasing consumer satisfaction, both locally and globally. She observed that there are still many people who do not understand the importance of eating halal food. Moreover, this is one of the Islamic laws, and Indonesia has a large Muslim population.
UMM always supports the development of Halal products in Indonesia. Starting from the establishment of the UMM Halal P3 Study Center, which actively involves lecturers and students in conducting teaching, research, and community service. Furthermore, since 2010, UMM has also provided a curriculum related to halal food product management. Thus, it is consistent with the vision and mission of the campus in supporting science and technology based on Islam and Muhammadiyah.
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Finally, she advised that all communities can work together in bringing awareness to the importance of this halal ecosystem. “The business players must understand that halal certification is important. Being able to be responsible for their products with halal standardization. Working in the culinary world is not only looking for profit but also being able to insert elements of worship to achieve peace and ideals in the afterlife,” she concluded. (Zaf/Wil/Put)