TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since its enactment in 2014, the law on halal (allowed in Islamic Law) labelling has been a topic of intense public debate. Discussions have mostly focused on the consequent higher cost to traders and producers. Interestingly, a recent Tempo poll shows that while most people surveyed (58 percent vs 38 percent) understood the need for labelling, they preferred the haram (forbidden in Islamic Law) label for reasons of cost, efficiency and expedience. The Indonesia Business Association for Public Policy explained, ‘the haram label would be far more economical because non-halal products are far fewer in number.” Furthermore, determining the presence of haram (elements) in products can be carried out by independent professionals, such as nutritionists for food or by pharmacists for medical drugs, the most vital products needing to be labelled and not by ulemas (Moslem clerics), the way it’s done now. This would minimize costs and guarantee low prices for consumers and ensure no disruption in medical services. Definitely, food for thought.
