The Halal Center of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) and the Indonesian Ministry of Religion’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH Kemenag) held a training companion for the halal product process (PPH). Attended by 1.000 UMSU students and alums, it was held online for three days, Thursday-Saturday (24-26/03).
UMSU evolved as one of the universities that had the opportunity to own this training because of the 162 Muhammadiyah Colleges (PTMA) in Indonesia, and only 6 universities were given a chance.
The training was opened directly by the Rector of UMSU, Prof. Agussani, MAP, followed by Vice Rector II Assoc. Prof. Akrim, M.Pd. In his speech, he briefly explained the UMSU halal center was established because of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership halal center. One sentence underlies the establishment of the UMSU halal center, namely the guarantee of halal products as a guarantee for worship.
The importance of knowledge and understanding related to halal certification; Akrim said that the guarantee of halal products is not only seen from the type, but the process towards halal needs to be considered.
“This is a new competency for students and alumni who participate in the training. The certificate from this training is a provision to assist MSMEs in obtaining a halal certificate from the Ministry of Religion,” said Akrim on Thursday (24/03).
According to Akrim, the training is also essential for lecturers in carrying out the Tri Dharma and Catur Dharma of higher education. Therefore, he expects the training to run well and be followed seriously to get a halal companion certificate and work as a BPJPH companion.
Welcoming this expectancy, the Head of the BPJBH Halal Product Assurance and Supervision Center, Dr. HA Umar, MA, appreciated that the UMSU Halal Center had attempted to hold training. He provides open opportunities, not only limited to 1000 students and alums who can participate.
“Hopefully, this training can be followed starting from batches 1, 2, and 3 and continue to reach 5.000 participants from UMSU’s students and alumni. This is an excellent opportunity for worship and a job opportunity,” said Umar.
He also understood that halal certification does not mean changing from haram to halal. This is different from marriage certification. Halal certification only ensures that what is halal remains halal, not contaminated with things that are haram. Because the analogy is that the haram will remain haram, while the halal can turn into haram if it is contaminated with prohibited substances.
“The purpose of this certification is to ensure safety and protect the public in halal food. Therefore, it is impossible to issue a halal certificate without the hard work of the BPH companions or halal editors. “
Representing BPJPH, “I would like to thank UMSU for its involvement in the certification assistance,” said Umar. He explained if the participants have completed the training and officially become BPJPH companions, they have the opportunity to receive wages following the completed certification, UMSU’s Halal Center, and BPJPH RI Hold Halal Product Process Assistance Training. “This is part of worship and getting job opportunities. We partner not only on the lips but also in the heart,” he concluded.
This training was attended by the Chairman of the UMSU’s Halal Center, Dr. Ir. Desi Ardilla, M.Si, along with the ranks of UMSU Academic Civitas, UMSU Students, and Alumni. (Pny)