Medan Accelerates Halal Ecosystem Development, Focuses on SMEs

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Medan city administration is intensifying efforts to develop a comprehensive halal ecosystem, with a strong focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining halal certification more easily.

Mayor Rico Waas received representatives from the regional office of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) for North Sumatra at his official residence on Friday (April 17, 2026). The meeting highlighted a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the development of halal-compliant products in the city.

Strengthening Competitiveness of Local Products

During the meeting, Rico Waas emphasized the crucial role of BPJPH in ensuring that products—particularly those produced by SMEs in Medan—obtain halal certification.

He noted that certification is a key factor in enhancing the competitiveness of local products, both in domestic and international markets.

The mayor also called for simplified certification procedures to reduce bureaucratic barriers for business owners. Easier access to certification, he said, would serve as a catalyst for expanding the market reach of regional products.

In addition, the city administration plans to organize large-scale outreach programs and seminars aimed at educating entrepreneurs—especially those in the culinary and cosmetics sectors—on the importance of halal standards as a mark of quality.

Land Allocation for BPJPH Office

Beyond policy support, the Medan administration is also exploring infrastructure initiatives to strengthen collaboration. The city is currently reviewing the possibility of allocating land for the construction of a representative BPJPH secretariat office in Medan.

"We will seek to provide suitable municipal land that can be used as the main office for BPJPH," Rico Waas stated.

North Sumatra as a Strategic Halal Region

Head of BPJPH North Sumatra, Makmur Nasution, said the province is among ten regions in Indonesia that already have a central BPJPH secretariat.

He expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation with the Medan city government to further accelerate the growth of the halal ecosystem. He also reiterated the need for municipal support in providing land for the new office.

Makmur added that with strong political backing and adequate infrastructure, Medan's halal ecosystem is poised for significant growth in the coming years. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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