Indonesian Government Advised to Leave Halal Certification out of Controversial Omnibus Bill

Indonesia’s top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), has urged the Government of Indonesia to re-evaluate the controversial omnibus bill on the creation of jobs, particularly regarding the regulation of Halal certification and the hiring of foreign workers.

In a statement issued recently, MUI Secretary-General Anwar Abbas suggested that the Government assign all concerns regarding Halal certification to the MUI to handle, to avoid the risk of violating religious principles.

Anwar said that the bill, which specifies that Halal certification should be a requirement for a business permit, grants the Government the authority to infringe on religious jurisdiction...