Around one hundred micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) took part in a halal certification workshop organized by the Halal Center of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) in collaboration with Bank Indonesia (BI) North Sumatra and the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs. The event was held at the Campus Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Monday (1/12).
The workshop was officially opened by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd, who emphasized the role of universities in supporting MSMEs. He motivated business actors to remain resilient amid economic dynamics, stating, “Those who have halal certification will have greater opportunities.”
As part of a broader commitment, Vice Rector II explained that UMSU continues to strengthen the business ecosystem. “UMSU is committed to supporting both small- and medium-scale enterprises, one of which is through training activities like today’s workshop,” he said.
He also noted that UMSU is continuously developing its internal business units. “UMSU currently operates ten types of businesses. We are building a bakery factory and a mineral water plant. UMSU also already owns a hotel, one of which is Pelita Inn,” he added.
Vice Rector II invited MSMEs to take advantage of major upcoming events. “UMSU will host the Muhammadiyah National Congress (Muktamar), which will include an MSME exhibition. Products will be showcased and prioritized,” he said. The selected products, he added, will highlight regional identity.
He further stressed that the halal certification program is highly strategic and important to participate in, especially since all certification costs are fully covered by UMSU.
Earlier, Assistant Manager of BI North Sumatra, Putra Rizki, reaffirmed Bank Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the halal ecosystem. “BI has been an initiator in establishing special halal zones in North Sumatra. On December 11, we will collaborate with the Halal Center of UMSU to strengthen halal assistance,” he explained.
“Halal certification is very important. We observed in Bali during 2023–2024 that the number of halal certifications increased significantly to facilitate MSMEs,” he added.
He also acknowledged that BI still needs human resource support. “We are short on personnel. We need synergy from colleagues at UMSU, the Halal Center of UMSU, and MSME actors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Halal Center of UMSU, Dr. Ir. Desi Ardilla, M.Si, emphasized the importance of cross-institutional synergy. “Thank you for the collaboration in this joint activity. This is an important step in strengthening the halal ecosystem and assisting business actors in complying with applicable obligations and regulations,” she stated.
She added that halal certification is a strategic approach to increasing consumer trust and product competitiveness.
The Halal Center of UMSU has regularly assisted numerous MSMEs. In 2025 alone, up to 4,000 business actors have obtained halal certification through its facilitation.
The event continued with workshop material presentations by several speakers, including:
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Khairil Azmi Nasution, S.H.I. – Regulatory Policies and Islamic Sharia Provisions
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Dr. Desi Ardilla, S.P., M.Si – Knowledge of Halal Ingredients and Production Processes
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Khairunnisa Rangkuti, S.P., M.Si – Implementation of the Halal Assurance System (SJPH)
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Wahyuni Umami Harahap, S.P., M.P – Preparation of SJPH Implementation Documents and Requirements
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Yusriati, S.S., M.Hum – Digitalization of SIHALAL and SIHALAL Practical Session
