BPJPH Strengthens Global Partnerships to Build a Trusted Halal Ecosystem

Indonesia is moving quickly to reinforce its role in the global halal economy through the work of its Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). In 2025, the agency has focused on building stronger ties with international partners and making halal certification more accessible at home. These efforts aim to create a system that is trusted both within Indonesia and across global markets.

Expanding International Recognition

One of the agency’s biggest steps has been expanding cooperation with foreign certification bodies. At the Halal 20 (H20) Forum in 2024, BPJPH secured 52 new mutual recognition agreements with halal authorities from 24 countries. With this expansion, Indonesia now has 92 recognition arrangements worldwide.

This progress makes it easier for Indonesian products to be accepted overseas while also streamlining the entry of foreign halal goods into Indonesia. Businesses benefit from reduced duplication of certification processes, while consumers gain stronger assurance that the products they purchase meet trusted halal standards.

Strengthening Cooperation with the United States

A key highlight of 2025 has been the agency’s deeper engagement with the United States. In May, BPJPH officials met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to discuss halal certification for imported meat and processed foods.

To build on this dialogue, BPJPH also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with two U.S.-based halal organizations: the Islamic Services of America (ISA) and the USA Halal Chamber of Commerce/ISWA Halal Certification Department. The agreement is designed to encourage cooperation in certification practices, training, and knowledge exchange.

These partnerships reflect Indonesia’s strategy of working closely with major trading partners to ensure that halal-certified products can move more smoothly across borders.

Showcasing Indonesia in Global Forums

BPJPH has also taken an active role in international exhibitions and forums, where it has presented Indonesia’s halal certification system as a model for both quality and reliability. By participating in these events, the agency is not only promoting Indonesia’s halal industry but also contributing to the broader global conversation about harmonizing halal standards.

Building a Stronger Domestic Foundation

Global recognition is important, but BPJPH is equally committed to strengthening the halal ecosystem at home. The agency has taken steps to simplify certification for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which face financial and technical challenges in meeting certification requirements.

By introducing affordable schemes, providing training, and partnering with universities and laboratories, BPJPH is making certification more accessible to local businesses. At the same time, it is expanding certification beyond food into other sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle products.

Benefits of the Partnerships

The recent wave of cooperation offers several benefits:

• Smoother trade by reducing repeated certification requirements.

• Greater consumer confidence through internationally recognized halal standards.

• Economic growth opportunities for industries ranging from food and beverages to fashion and pharmaceuticals.

• Support for SMEs so smaller businesses can compete in both domestic and international markets.

Indonesia’s halal industry is set to play a bigger role in global trade in the coming years. BPJPH’s strategy combines international partnerships with domestic support to ensure growth that is both inclusive and credible. By aligning global recognition with local empowerment, Indonesia is building the foundations of a halal ecosystem that is trusted worldwide.