MUI deputy chair questions US-Indonesia trade deal over Halal rules
Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, has spoken about the US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). He fears that foreign goods will...
Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, has spoken about the US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). He fears that foreign goods will no longer need halal certification.
Some reports say that the Indonesian government made it easier for some US products, like cosmetics and medical devices, to get halal certification. The policy also says that Indonesia only needs halal labels or certifications for halal goods that come from the US. In addition, companies must still disclose the ingredients and contents of their products to consumers.
Cholil Nafis told Muslim shoppers to be careful. He said that halal certification means that the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) and other relevant authorities have looked at the product. In other words, they have confirmed that it is halal.
He posted on Instagram on Sunday, February 22, that consumers should avoid buying products without halal certification due to concerns about their halal status.
In a thread on platform X, Cholil asked for more time to read the agreement. He wanted to know if the deal could hurt the rights and protections of US consumers.
He also told the government to think about whether the policy follows Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Law. It should also comply with the constitution of the country.
Cholil also told the government to look at the deal again. He told Muslims not to buy American products that are not halal.
The issue has led to a public debate in Indonesia about how to protect the rights of Muslim consumers and halal rules. At the same time, there are concerns about protecting the interests of international trade.
People who watch say that discussions about opening up trade and keeping people safe at home will probably continue. Meanwhile, policymakers will need time to figure out how to make the ART deal work.
No Comment! Be the first one.