Chicken restaurant owner's confession, claims to be victim of billions of Rupiah extortion when processing halal certificate

foto: Instagram/@oktawirawan

Restaurant owners complain about extortion when processing halal certificates.

The owner of the Almaz Fried Chicken fried chicken restaurant, Okta Wirawan, recently expressed his complaint to the Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, regarding the halal certificate application process which had been delayed for six months.

In the meeting, Okta admitted that he was charged very high fees, even reaching billions of rupiah, by certain individuals who set fees based on the number of outlet branches and employees.

Haikal Hasan emphasized that the halal process should be easy and cheap. However, there are still individuals who make things difficult and charge excessive fees. He reminded business actors not to hesitate to report if they find illegal levies (pungli) like this.

"Let's support the improvement of the halal assurance system in Indonesia. Stop the practice of extortion that is detrimental to business actors. The halal application process must be honest and transparent," said Babe Haikal in a post on the Instagram account @oktawirawan.

Since October 18, 2024, halal certification has become mandatory in Indonesia based on Law Number 33 of 2014. This certificate serves to assist the government and religious organizations in monitoring compliance with halal standards.

The validity period of the halal certificate is four years and can be extended. Here are the steps to apply for a halal certificate:

1. Visit the website ptsp.halal.go.id.
2. Register a new account with accurate information.
3. Verify your account according to the instructions.
4. Apply for a halal certificate.
5. Data completeness check by BPJPH.
6. Inspection by the Halal Inspection Institute (LPH).
7. Billing and payment information.
8. Halal product testing by LPH.
9. Report of the results of the examination to the MUI.
10. Fatwa hearing by MUI and information on the results.
11. Download the issued halal certificate.

By following these steps, business actors can process halal certification efficiently and increase consumer confidence.

Cost breakdown:

• Halal Certificate Making: Micro and Small Business: IDR 300 thousand; Medium Business: IDR 5 million; Large Business: IDR 12,500,000.
• Halal Certificate Extension: Micro and Small Business: IDR 200 thousand; Medium Business: IDR 2,400,000; Large Business: IDR 5 million.
• Overseas Halal Certification Registration: Rp. 800 thousand.

(brl/red)