Law Number 33 concerning Halal Product Assurance (UU JPH) was enacted to protect the public. As a Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia naturally requires halal labeling on products, whether they are food or medicines.
However, mandating halal certification for medicines, vaccines, and other biological products could pose a threat to the public rather than offering protection. Parulian Simanjuntak, Executive Director of the International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (IPMG)—an association of foreign pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia—explained that doctors prescribe medication based on the patient's condition. Naturally, religious considerations are set aside in this context, as the primary goal is healing.
"This practice applies in other regions, such as the Middle East, where medicines and vaccines are exempt from mandatory halal certification; religious issues should not be conflated with this matter," he stated.
Of the 25,000 registered medicines, 95 percent of the raw materials are imported. Consequently, the halal certification process—which covers the entire production chain from start to finish—presents a significant challenge for the pharmaceutical sector.
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held, attended by the Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), as well as the Director of Small and Medium Industries (Food, Wood Products, and Furniture) from the Ministry of Industry. Also in attendance were Hendri Saparini and representatives from business associations in the drug and food sectors—including GP Farmasi, IPMG, GP Jamu, PERKOSMI, and GAPMMI—alongside representatives from the Ombudsman and the Ministries of Trade, Health, Agriculture, Cooperatives and SMEs, and Marine Affairs and Fisheries, as well as LP POM MUI. The participants recommended further detailed discussion to ensure the effective implementation and administration of the Halal Product Assurance system. For instance, it was suggested that exemptions from the halal mandate be considered for medicines intended for emergency use.
Reference:
https://kliklegal.com/ipmg-obat-dan-vaksin-tidak-siap-diterapkan-kewajiban-sertifikasi-produk-halal/
