The Head of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), Haikal Hassan, has officially clarified that circulating social media claims alleging that the President of the United States requested Indonesia to revoke its halal certification requirements are false.

According to Haikal Hassan, the claim is a hoax. He emphasized that an official press conference conducted by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed alignment with Indonesia’s halal regulatory framework and adherence to the regulations established by BPJPH.

“This information is not accurate. The official press conference by USTR and USDA stated that they agree with and follow the regulations issued by BPJPH,” Haikal stated.

BPJPH further noted that discussions had taken place in Jakarta with many U.S. entrepreneurs in a forum attended by representatives of the U.S. government. During the meeting, participating businesses expressed their support for Indonesia’s halal certification requirements and welcomed the implementation of the country’s mandatory halal policy.

Haikal also highlighted that halal certification systems are not new within the United States. The U.S. halal infrastructure has been in place since 1974, reflecting longstanding industry engagement with halal compliance and standards.

BPJPH reaffirmed its commitment to implementing Indonesia’s halal product assurance law in accordance with national regulations while maintaining constructive engagement with international stakeholders.

The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) welcomes BPJPH’s clarification and appreciates its proactive efforts in addressing misinformation surrounding Indonesia’s halal certification policy. IFANCA recognizes BPJPH’s regulatory framework as a significant step toward strengthening halal assurance, consumer confidence, and international harmonization of halal standards.

This statement is shared to clarify the public record and prevent the spread of misinformation regarding Indonesia’s halal certification policy and international trade relations.