HARMONIZING THE ROLE OF MAJELIS ULAMA INDONESIA (MUI) AND THE FATWA COMMITTEE ON HALAL PRODUCTS IN INCREASING THE HALAL ECOSYSTEM IN INDONESIA

Abstract

The increasing demand for halal products in Indonesia is due to the presence of a Muslim majority population and is also governed by Law Number 33 of 2014, which stipulates that products circulating in Indonesia must be halal-certified. In order to enhance the halal ecosystem in Indonesia, reinforcement is necessary not only from a regulatory standpoint but also through the active involvement of relevant institutions. This presents a challenge for the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia or MUI) and the Halal Product Fatwa Committee as institutions responsible for determining halal status. The alignment of these fatwa institutions is crucial for establishing Indonesia as a global halal industry hub. This research examines the harmonization of roles between the MUI and the Halal Product Fatwa Committee in enhancing the halal ecosystem in Indonesia. The study adopts a literature research approach. The methodology used in this research is qualitative, collecting data in the form of words rather than numerical figures. The theoretical frameworks employed in this paper are the theory of legal certainty and the theory of benefits. The research findings indicate that harmonizing the roles of the MUI and the Halal Product Fatwa Committee is considered crucial for the development of the halal ecosystem in Indonesia. Despite their distinct roles, synergy between these entities is necessary to ensure the effective and efficient certification and determination processes for halal products. The MUI is responsible for halal auditor certification, determining product halal status through fatwas, and accrediting Halal Certification Bodies (LPH). Meanwhile, the Halal Product Fatwa Committee focuses on micro and small businesses. This synergy accelerates the halal certification process by 2024, strengthens public understanding, and enhances the trust of both producers and consumers in halal products.

Keywords : Majelis Ulama Indonesia, Fatwa Committee, Halal Products, Halal Ecosystem