Why Food Containing Pork Is Such a Sensitive Issue for Muslims

Questions about food containing pork or pork-derived ingredients repeatedly go viral in Indonesia because halal status is treated as far more than a matter of personal taste.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, head of the Indonesian Ulema Council's fatwa division, said halal practice is fundamental to Islam. "For Muslims, halal matters are essential and fundamental to Islamic religious affairs; halal constitutes half of religious practice," he told Republika.

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For Muslims, halal matters are essential and fundamental to Islamic religious affairs; halal constitutes half of religious practice.

He has urged Muslim consumers to select only restaurants and products whose halal status is assured. That includes food, medicines and cosmetics. In his view, Muslims should avoid not only what is clearly forbidden, but also products whose status is doubtful.

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That is why I also urge every Muslim consumer to choose only halal restaurants, food, medicines and cosmetics.

The council has encouraged the public to reject restaurants that do not hold halal certification ahead of the full implementation of mandatory certification on October 17, 2026. Asked what will happen to businesses that are required to certify but refuse, Niam said they could face administrative, legal and moral sanctions.

"That is why I also urge every Muslim consumer to choose only halal restaurants, food, medicines and cosmetics," he said. He added: "Say no to restaurants that do not have halal certification."

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Say no to restaurants that do not have halal certification.