Is The Halal Times Actually Halal?

Is The Halal Times genuinely compliant with Halal standards? At first glance, this question might strike some as bewildering or even nonsensical. However, those closely following the recent developments in Indonesia’s halal certification landscape might find such a query not only reasonable but pertinent. Amidst the evolving debates and controversies surrounding halal certification in Indonesia, a curious notion emerges: Could it be that even a newspaper, such as ours, requires halal certification to be deemed acceptable within the country?

Our perspective on this matter is both reflective and critical. The essence and traditional boundaries of Halal, primarily concerned with dietary laws and ethical consumption in Islam, seem to have been stretched to their limits, if not beyond. This expansion into realms far afield from the original religious injunctions suggests a profound transformation in how Halal is perceived and implemented, venturing into territories that may appear excessively broad or even misplaced.

This narrative is not unique to us; it has been echoed in prominent publications such as The Economist, which recently delved into the intricacies and oddities of Indonesia’s halal certification process. The article highlighted the experiences of Ivon Widiahtuti, an auditor with the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Assessment Agency (LPPOM) in Bogor. Widiahtuti’s primary role involves evaluating applications from companies eager to secure halal certification for their products, ensuring they align with Islamic principles. Traditionally, this would involve food and drink items devoid of pork and alcohol. Yet, the scope of her assessments has broadened to include non-consumable goods, leading to peculiar inquiries about the halal status of musical instruments and sex toys, among other items.

This expansion reflects a broader societal shift. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, is witnessing a surge in demand for halal-certified products, driven not just by heightened religious observance among its citizens but also by corporate opportunism. The number of products receiving halal certification soared between 2012 and 2017, with a notable increase in non-food items. The Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), through LPPOM, has begun certifying an array of products, from appliances and household goods to personal care items, recognizing a market demand for a halal-compliant lifestyle that extends beyond traditional dietary restrictions.

Critics, including respected Muslim cleric Yahya Staquf, question the rationale behind certifying products unrelated to food or worship as halal. The case of a refrigerator by Sharp, ridiculed for its halal certification, illustrates the complexity and nuance of the issue. The certification, as it turns out, was based on ensuring that the plastic components did not contain pig-derived contaminants, thereby addressing a legitimate concern for Muslim consumers.

The Indonesian government, aiming to bolster exports and project an image of piety, has broadened the scope of halal certification even further. A new law mandates halal certification for all consumer goods by October 17th, a move that raises questions about the practicality and limits of such a requirement. As Widiahtuti ponders the future implications of this law, the distinction between secular and sacred goods blurs, challenging traditional understandings of halal and prompting a reevaluation of its application in contemporary society.

In this evolving landscape, the question of what constitutes halal extends far beyond the dietary realm, touching on broader issues of religious observance, consumer rights, and national identity. As Indonesia navigates these complex waters, the global Muslim community and observers worldwide watch closely, pondering the future direction of halal certification and its impact on everyday life.