Ministry Clarifies Halal Certification for Wine Products in Indonesia

Imagine buying a bottle labeled as ‘wine’ or ‘beer’ that proudly carries a halal certification. Sounds confusing, right? That’s exactly the debate swirling around Indonesia’s recent developments in halal certification.

In recent developments, Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has addressed the halal certification of products labeled as “wine,” “beer,” and similar terms. Despite their seemingly alcohol-related names, these “Halal Wine Products” have been certified by the Halal Products Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), sparking debate about their labeling and true halal status. This issue highlights concerns around religious compliance, consumer awareness, and evolving market trends within the global halal industry.

The Debate Around Halal Wine Products

The controversy mainly stems from the naming of these products. Terms like “wine,” “beer,” and “tweak” (a type of traditional liquor) are typically associated with alcoholic beverages, which are strictly prohibited (haram) in Islam. However, the products in question are non-alcoholic alternatives designed for Muslim consumers who want to enjoy the flavor and experience of these drinks without violating Islamic dietary laws. The challenge is that these products receive halal certification while retaining names typically linked to alcohol, which can confuse consumers.

Mamat Salamet Burhanudin, Head of the Halal Registration and Certification Center at BPJPH, explained that the controversy centers on the product names rather than their ingredients or production process. He emphasized that these products have been certified halal by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Fatwa Commission or the Halal Product Fatwa Committee. “The public does not need to doubt the halal status of halal-certified products because they have undergone the certification process and obtained approval from the MUI Fatwa Commission or the Halal Product Fatwa Committee,” he stated.

How Halal Certification Works in Indonesia

In Indonesia, halal certification is tightly regulated to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Products seeking halal certification must adhere to guidelines set out in SNI 99004:2021 and MUI Fatwa Number 44 of 2020. These regulations cover not only the ingredients and production process but also how the product’s name, packaging, and branding align with halal standards. This comprehensive regulatory framework aims to uphold religious observance while protecting consumer rights.

The certification process is thorough. Each product is assessed by either the MUI Fatwa Commission or the Halal Product Fatwa Committee, covering every aspect of the product—from raw materials to production, packaging, and distribution. This rigorous process ensures that the final product is permissible for Muslim consumers and eliminates any risk of non-halal elements or cross-contamination.

The Controversy Over Certification

Despite the rigorous certification process, the controversy over halal wine products persists, largely due to differing perspectives on product naming. While the ingredients and production methods meet halal standards, the use of terms like “wine” and “beer” raises questions about the appropriateness of naming these products after traditional haram beverages.

Data from Indonesia’s national halal product database, Sihalal, reveals key figures that highlight this debate. According to Sihalal, 61 products labeled as “wine” have been certified as halal by the MUI Fatwa Commission, while 53 similar products have been certified by the Halal Product Fatwa Committee. Similarly, eight products labeled as “beer” have been certified by the MUI, and 14 more have been approved by the Fatwa Committee. These discrepancies highlight the differing interpretations between halal authorities over product naming.

While both the MUI Fatwa Commission and the Halal Product Fatwa Committee focus on ensuring halal compliance, their divergent views on naming conventions lead to these inconsistencies. Nonetheless, all certified products undergo stringent checks by the Halal Examination Institute (LPH), with the majority reviewed by LPH LPPOM, which ensures halal standards are upheld.

What Are Halal Wine Products?

For consumers, it is important to understand what “Halal Wine Products” actually mean. Unlike traditional wine, which contains alcohol and is haram in Islam, halal-certified wines are non-alcoholic beverages designed to replicate the flavor and experience of wine, without containing any alcohol. These beverages comply with halal dietary standards, ensuring that all ingredients are permissible.

The rise of halal-certified wine products is part of a broader movement toward halal-friendly alternatives. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, the global halal food and beverage market is expected to exceed $2.5 trillion by 2024, driven by increasing demand for halal-certified products. Non-alcoholic wine, beer, and similar beverages are becoming more popular among Muslim consumers looking for alternatives that were traditionally unavailable to them.

Global Trends in Halal-Friendly Beverages

Indonesia isn’t alone in its growing interest in halal wine products. Around the world, the market for halal-friendly beverages is expanding as demand for non-alcoholic alternatives rises. In countries like the UAE, Malaysia, and even parts of Europe, non-alcoholic wines, beers, and mocktails are gaining popularity among Muslim consumers.

Companies like Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) in the UAE have entered the halal beverage market with their line of halal-certified drinks. Similarly, brands like Eisberg in the UK offer a range of non-alcoholic wines that cater to the needs of the Muslim community. The global halal wine market is expected to grow as more companies recognize the value of catering to Muslim consumers seeking halal-friendly alternatives.

Concerns from the MUI Fatwa Division

Amid the ongoing debate, Asrorun Niam, Chair of the MUI Fatwa Division, voiced concerns about some products obtaining halal certification through the “self-declare” route. This means that some products were declared halal by the companies themselves without comprehensive audits by recognized halal inspection agencies or formal approval by the MUI Fatwa Commission. Such practices are seen as a violation of MUI’s strict fatwa standards, prompting discussions on the need for clearer and more consistent regulations.

What This Means for Muslim Consumers

For Muslim consumers, the takeaway is to understand that products labeled as “Halal Wine” or “Halal Beer” have gone through a rigorous certification process to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. However, the naming conventions can be confusing, and it’s crucial to verify the halal certification before purchasing or consuming these products.

Despite the name, halal-certified wine and beer products are formulated to comply with Islamic principles, making them permissible for consumption. The certification process ensures that no alcohol or non-halal ingredients are present, offering peace of mind for Muslims adhering to a halal diet.

While the debate over naming continues, the growing global market for halal-certified beverages provides Muslim consumers with diverse options, allowing them to enjoy new flavors and experiences without compromising their faith.