How to Get Halal Certification for Your Restaurant in Indonesia

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, making it a prime market for halal restaurants. Getting a halal certification is essential if you run a restaurant or plan to open one. It demonstrates that your food meets standards to safeguard the local community and builds customer trust. 

This guide will help you understand everything, from what halal means to how to get your restaurant certified by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and LPPOM MUI. 

What is a Halal Restaurant? 

A halal restaurant prepares, handles, and serves food that complies with Islamic dietary laws. “Halal” means “permissible” in Arabic. This includes: 

• Using halal-certified meat 
• Avoiding alcohol and pork 
• Maintaining hygiene and separation from non-halal items 

Halal restaurants also ensure that all kitchen equipment, storage, and sourcing follow halal standards. Staff may receive training to consistently uphold these rules. 

Why Your Restaurant Needs Halal Certification in Indonesia 

Halal certification provides many benefits, influencing market dynamics, consumer trust, and business credibility. In Indonesia, where most of the population is Muslim, certification is a significant economic and social tool, particularly within the food service industry. 

For Consumers 

• Confidence: Certification assures Muslim customers that your food complies with strict Islamic dietary guidelines. 
• Peace of Mind: Diners don’t worry about hidden non-halal ingredients. 
• Religious Duty: Many Muslims consider halal food a spiritual responsibility. Certification helps them easily meet that duty. 

For Your Business 

• Market Reach: Certified halal restaurants can attract a broader range of local customers, tourists, and international clients. 
• Stronger Reputation: Halal certification demonstrates that your restaurant is trustworthy and committed to quality. 
• Competitive Advantage: Certification helps your restaurant stand out in a crowded food industry. 

READ MORE:

• Investing Potential in Indonesia’s Halal Economy
• The Halal Industry in Indonesia: Trends and Future Prospects
• Halal Certification Procedure in Indonesia: A 2025 Update

Halal Certification Process for Restaurants in Indonesia 

The halal certification process in Indonesia is overseen by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and has recently been simplified under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. Here’s how to get your restaurant certified: 

• Ensure Operational Readiness: Your restaurant must be active for on-site inspection. 
• Apply HAS 23000: Implement halal standards across all processes. 
• Prepare Documents: Collect business licenses, supplier lists, and ingredient details. 
• Submit Application: Send complete documentation to BPJPH. 
• On-Site Audit: Auditors check compliance with halal standards. 
• Certificate Issuance: If approved, BPJPH issues a permanent halal certificate. 
• Maintain Compliance: Adhere to halal standards and notify BPJPH of any significant changes. 

Key Authorities in Halal Certification 

A structured legal and institutional framework guides halal certification in Indonesia, ensuring transparency, consistency, and adherence to religious requirements. Understanding the key authorities and legal requirements for restaurant owners is crucial to achieving and maintaining certification, particularly in a market where halal integrity significantly impacts consumer trust and business operations. 

Governing Bodies 

BPJPH manages halal certification in Indonesia under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. LPPOM MUI handles inspections and audits, while the MUI issues the final religious ruling (fatwa) required for certification. 

Legal Requirements 

Under Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021, all products sold or distributed in Indonesia must be halal certified unless labeled as non-halal. This includes food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and related services. Businesses must use halal materials and processes, ensuring that there is no cross-contamination with non-halal items. 

Non-compliance can lead to warnings, fines, product recalls, or certificate revocation. These penalties help maintain halal standards and protect consumer trust. 

Tips for Maintaining Halal Compliance 

Maintaining halal certification is just as important as obtaining it. Here’s how to ensure your restaurant stays compliant: 

Ongoing Compliance 

• Always use halal-certified ingredients and monitor your supply chain to avoid non-halal contamination. 
• Stay updated with any changes in halal regulations or food production technologies. 
• Train staff regularly to follow halal procedures in food handling and service. 

Regular Inspections 

• Authorities may conduct inspections to ensure continued compliance. 
• The frequency of these checks depends on your restaurant’s size, past performance, and the type of food served. 

Certificate Validity and Renewal 

• GR 39/2021: Certificates were valid for 4 years and had to be renewed 3 months before expiry. 
• GR 42/2024: Certificates now have permanent validity, as long as: 
• There are no changes in ingredients or the halal production process. 
• No new products are added without approval. 

You must apply for a certificate update through BPJPH with the necessary documents if you change your menu, ingredients, or food processes. 

Unlocking Halal Business Potential in Surabaya 

Choosing the correct location is essential when opening a halal restaurant, and Surabaya offers substantial advantages that align perfectly with halal business goals. Here’s why setting up in this city can elevate your success: 

• Large Muslim Population: The majority of residents are Muslim, resulting in a strong demand for halal-certified food and restaurants. 
• Government Support for the Halal Industry: Surabaya is actively promoted as part of Indonesia’s halal tourism strategy, thereby boosting the visibility of certified halal restaurants. 
• Access to Halal Services: Local providers offer convenient product registration and halal certification support, helping streamline your setup process. 
• Established Supply Chains: The city’s strong infrastructure and logistics network make it easy to source halal-certified ingredients consistently. 
• Growth Opportunities: Surabaya is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for halal lifestyle products and services, providing your restaurant with access to a broader audience of halal-conscious consumers. 

By opening your halal restaurant in Surabaya, you will gain market reach and operational efficiency, setting a solid foundation for long-term business growth. 

Simplify Your Halal Certification Process with InCorp 

Certifying your halal restaurant in Indonesia extends beyond legal compliance; it fosters trust and expands your market share in a predominantly Muslim country. With growing government support and rising consumer demand, now is the perfect time to meet halal standards. 

Surabaya offers a strategic location to start or expand your halal business, providing access to robust infrastructure, expert support, and a growing base of halal-conscious customers. 

To simplify the certification journey, InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) offers end-to-end assistance, including: 

• Product Registration: Ensure your ingredients and products meet local regulatory standards. 
• Halal Certification: Navigate the process smoothly with expert support, specifically tailored for businesses in Surabaya. 

Please complete the form below to take the first step toward building a compliant, trusted, and successful halal restaurant.