Indonesia and Australia Sign MoU on Halal Cooperation  

Jakarta: Indonesia and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on halal product assurance cooperation to support the trade of halal-certified products between the two countries.
 
The agreement was signed in Jakarta on Monday, July 13, 2026, by Head of Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, and Australian Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath. The signing was witnessed by Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite.
 
“The agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening halal cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. Through deeper technical dialogue, capacity building, and information exchange, we can boost consumer confidence, support Indonesia’s halal ecosystem, and help high-quality halal products reach markets in both countries,” Haikal Hasan said.
 
The agreement comes as Indonesia prepares to introduce mandatory halal certification requirements for most food and beverage products, as well as various other consumer goods, starting October 18, 2026.
 
Thistlethwaite said the agreement reinforces economic ties between Indonesia and Australia under the framework of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
 
“Indonesia is one of Australia’s closest economic partners and a crucial market for Australian food and agricultural exporters, particularly for meat and dairy products,” he said in a press release from the Australian Embassy.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)