Halal certification requests top 10,000 a day before Oct. 18

Demand for halal certification has surged ahead of the halal requirement taking effect on 18 October 2026. The Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal said applications rose from an average of 6,000-7,000 to more than 10,000 per day. At the same time, businesses in retail and tourism are seeking more time, citing supply chain readiness, processing costs and uneven outreach. Deputy Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Dradjad Hari Wibowo said the mandatory halal rollout will still proceed, but will be adjusted to the readiness of businesses and the BPJPH system. The government is also preparing 1.35 million free halal certificates for micro and small businesses under the SEHATI program. As of 14 October 2026, Indonesia had 123 mutual halal recognition agreements with foreign institutions in 43 countries.