When Halal Stops at the Label: Indonesia's Challenge Beyond Certification

Indonesia is making significant strides in developing its halal ecosystem, with the government, through the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH), actively encouraging broader halal certification for products circulating among the public. Consumer awareness has also grown, with halal labels becoming a crucial consideration in purchasing decisions. This progress is commendable, signaling that halal is increasingly viewed not just as a personal religious matter but also as a component of consumer protection and legal certainty.

However, the article raises a critical question amidst this widespread push for halal certification: Does the increasing number of halal-certified products truly correlate with a heightened sense of halal consciousness within society? While halal products are now readily available for food, beverages, cosmetics, medicines, fashion, and daily services, the piece notes the simultaneous persistence of dishonesty, corruption, and breach of trust in public life.

The core issue, according to the author, is not a lack of halal products but a tendency to confine the understanding of halal solely to consumption. This narrow view neglects halal as a guiding principle for all human activities. Consequently, halal often remains merely a label, with its underlying values failing to fully shape behavior. The article emphasizes that Islam's concept of halal is far broader than just a product's legal status, citing the Quranic verse urging consumption of what is "halal and good (thayyib)."

This implies that the pursuit should not only be for what is legally permissible but also for what is beneficial and constructive. True halal consciousness, the article argues, should foster healthy lifestyles, responsibility, moderation, and consideration for the impact on oneself and others. Furthermore, the concept of halal extends to how one earns and utilizes wealth, encompassing work, trade, transactions, and the fulfillment of entrusted responsibilities. The piece concludes by highlighting the irony of individuals meticulously ensuring the halal status of their food while potentially engaging in unethical practices in other areas of life.