The Indonesian government has changed the halal certification system from voluntary to mandatory to ensure the halal status of products consumed by the public, including vaccines. This policy aligns with Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, reinforced by Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 on the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance (JPH). However, the implementation of halal certification often faces challenges.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at Universitas Indonesia (UI), in collaboration with The University of Edinburgh, successfully organized the FPH UI Online Seminar Series 1 with the theme Halal Vaccines: Scientific Facts, Regulations, and Public Health Challenges. The event, held at the Doctoral Promotion Room, Building G, FPH UI, and broadcast live via Zoom Meetings and YouTube Live Streaming, featured experts from various fields to comprehensively discuss halal vaccines. Some of the invited speakers included Dr. Haikal Hassan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Indonesia, represented by Dr. Muhammad Aqil Irham, BPJPH’s Principal Secretary; M. Indra Lamora from Etana Biotech; and Diah Puspitasari, M.Biomed, from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). Additionally, two academics, Dr. Sudeepa Abeysinghe from the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Wahyu Septiono from FPH UI, were also present.
The seminar, moderated by Muh. Agung Saharuddin, a postgraduate student at FPH UI, aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of halal vaccines, as this topic frequently draws public attention. The Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., delivered an opening speech and officially inaugurated SEMOL FPH UI Series 1. “The journey of vaccine development is not easy, as we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. That event was a valuable lesson on the importance of preparedness in facing global health challenges,” she stated. Prof. Mondastri emphasized the role of FPH UI as a driver of the health industry, not only in the present but also in the future. Through this seminar, participants—including academics from Indonesia, Thailand, and several European countries—were invited to delve deeper into the scientific, regulatory, and public health challenges related to halal vaccines.
The Rector of Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., also delivered remarks and appreciated the organization of SEMOL Series 1 by FPH UI. Prof. Heri highlighted that the seminar provided an important discussion platform for understanding the dynamics of vaccine acceptance in Indonesia, as well as the scientific aspects of policies and public health. “As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia faces unique challenges in vaccine acceptance, particularly regarding halal status. Therefore, the involvement of the government, academics, and industry is essential to ensure that the information provided to the public is accurate, evidence-based, and capable of enhancing understanding of vaccination,” said Prof. Heri. The UI Rector also hoped that the seminar would provide broader insights for participants and encourage constructive discussions to strengthen vaccination policies in Indonesia.
In his presentation, Dr. Muhammad Aqil Irham explained that according to Article 4 of Law No. 33 of 2014, all products entering, circulating, and traded in Indonesia must be halal-certified. As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia has an urgent need to ensure the halal status of products consumed by the public, including vaccines. “The halal status of vaccines significantly impacts public trust and acceptance of vaccination programs. Concerns regarding vaccine ingredients and production processes often serve as major barriers to increasing national vaccination coverage. Therefore, a reliable halal certification system is key to boosting public participation and protecting public health,” said Dr. Muhammad Aqil Irham.
To support the implementation of this policy, since March 1, 2022, all products certified halal by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) are required to display a halal label on their packaging. In addition to providing assurance for domestic consumers, this policy also aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market. Through a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on halal certification, Indonesia has established partnerships with various countries to facilitate responsible halal product trade. Currently, 64 foreign halal certification bodies (LHLN) from 27 countries have been accredited and have signed the MRA, out of a total of 152 applications from 46 countries.
From an industry perspective, M. Indra Lamora from Etana Biotech explained that the halal vaccine certification process involves several key stages. “The process begins with establishing a halal assurance system, followed by an assessment of ingredients and manufacturing facilities, and evaluation by a Halal Inspection Agency (LPH). Once the evaluation process is completed, the halal certificate can be issued,” explained Indra Lamora.
However, the implementation of halal vaccine certification still faces numerous challenges. One major obstacle is the potential use of non-halal components in the production process. To address this, a strict verification system is needed to ensure traceability of raw materials and additional substances used. Additionally, synergy among relevant ministries, BPJPH, LPH, BPOM, and the Ministry of Health is crucial in formulating a roadmap for halal vaccines in Indonesia. “Greater involvement of raw material producers in oversight from upstream to downstream, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation, is necessary to ensure compliance with established halal standards,” added Indra Lamora.
Diah Puspitasari, S.Farm, Apt, M.BiomedSc., Head of the Biological Product Registration Team, who attended virtually, emphasized that BPOM plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of halal vaccines and biological products. She explained that efficacy ensures that a product delivers the expected benefits, while safety is a top priority to prevent harmful side effects. Additionally, consistent quality in ingredients, manufacturing processes, and product effectiveness is equally important. “Ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy is essential so that the public can have confidence in the benefits of vaccines and biological products,” said Diah.
Dr. Sudeepa Abeysinghe from the Global Health Policy Unit, University of Edinburgh, added that an individual’s decision to get vaccinated is influenced by various social factors. Some of these include passive acceptance, altruism, social trends (bandwagoning), and perceived disease risks. “Vaccination decisions are not just individual choices but are also shaped by social dynamics and trust in the benefits of vaccines,” explained Dr. Sudeepa.
In the context of public health, Dr. Wahyu Septiono from FPH UI highlighted the importance of vaccination amid widespread misinformation, re-emerging diseases, and potential new outbreaks. He identified several obstacles in halal vaccine certification, including the limited number of halal auditors with a scientific background and differing opinions on imported raw materials that are difficult to verify for halal compliance. “A lack of public understanding and patriarchal decision-making in families also affect trust in halal vaccines,” said Dr. Wahyu.
As a solution, he proposed increasing transparency regarding vaccine raw materials from foreign manufacturers, developing a searchable information system for halal-certified raw materials, and increasing the number of halal auditors with expertise in both science and religion. “Simplifying the certification process with standardized regulations will help improve access to halal vaccines in Indonesia,” concluded Dr. Wahyu.
Through clear regulations, cross-sector collaboration, and strengthened monitoring systems, halal vaccine certification is expected to be more effective in supporting the sustainability of Indonesia’s vaccination programs and enhancing public trust in available vaccines. (wrk/DFD)