Indonesia, Australia Hold Bilateral Talks to Strengthen Halal Trade Cooperation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The governments of Indonesia and Australia have held bilateral talks to enhance cooperation in the export and import of halal products, aiming to establish a more productive and mutually beneficial strategic partnership in the halal industry and trade sectors.
The meeting took place on July 10 at the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne, with discussions led by Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH).
“This meeting is aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia through synergy in the halal product industry and trade sectors, to be more productive and mutually beneficial,” Hasan stated in a press release issued Sunday.
Key issues addressed included Indonesia’s annual requirement of 650,000 metric tons of halal meat to meet the nutritional needs of students and to support President Prabowo Subianto’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Currently, Australia supplies around 140,000 metric tons of halal meat annually to Indonesia.
Hasan emphasized the opportunity to expand this trade volume by leveraging Australian slaughterhouses that meet halal standards and hold certification from recognized Foreign Halal Institutions (LHLN). He also highlighted the importance of halal certification across a broader range of products, including vitamins, medicines, cosmetics, and skincare, in anticipation of Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification regulation set to take effect on October 18, 2026.
“Halal certification is a symbol of the quality, cleanliness, and safety of a product. It also reflects animal welfare during slaughter, which aligns with WHO and FAO global standards,” he added.
Hasan also called for strengthened monitoring of Australian LHLNs—currently numbering 12 and recognized by BPJPH—to ensure compliance and prevent unfair competition.
On the same occasion, the Australian government reiterated its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s food security, requesting the acceleration of the licensing process for nine Australian slaughterhouses and nine milk and dairy processing plants. These facilities are expected to help supply nutritious food in support of Indonesian government initiatives.
Australia also proposed the adoption of a single halal logo or label for Australian halal-certified products entering the Indonesian market, aiming to streamline customs procedures and enhance consumer trust.
Both parties expressed commitment to continued collaboration to support sustainable halal trade and jointly address technical and regulatory challenges in the future.
