Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Students of UNU Jogja Assist More Than 30 MSMEs in Obtaining Halal Certification Through the Halal Lifestyle Course

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Thirty sixth-semester students from the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) have assisted more than 30 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in applying for halal certification through the Halal Lifestyle course. The program serves as a practical learning initiative that connects students with real community needs while contributing to the strengthening of Indonesia's halal product ecosystem.

Through the program, students not only studied the theoretical aspects of halal assurance but also worked directly with business owners. Their responsibilities included assisting with the registration of the Business Identification Number (NIB), ensuring that production processes complied with halal and hygiene standards, and facilitating the halal certification application process. The assisted businesses represented various sectors, including cracker manufacturers, chicken noodle vendors, satay stalls, angkringan food stalls, cafés, and other culinary MSEs.

Throughout the mentoring process, students encountered several challenges, particularly in building trust with business owners when requesting administrative documents required for halal certification, such as national identity cards (KTP), family cards (KK), and other supporting documents. Many business owners were initially hesitant to provide personal information, requiring students to explain the purpose of the data collection and how the information would be securely used.

Ahmad Hujaj Nurrohim, lecturer of the Halal Lifestyle course and Chair of the LP3H Halal Center at UNU Jogja, explained that the program was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in halal certification assistance, from understanding regulations to working directly with business owners.

"Through this course, students not only learn the theoretical aspects of halal assurance but also gain practical experience in assisting MSEs throughout the halal certification process. This competency is increasingly relevant as the demand for halal product process assistants continues to grow. In addition, the government provides incentives for each halal certificate successfully issued, creating new career and professional opportunities for our students," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Halal Center at UNU Jogja, Dr. Fahmaninda Listiyani, B.Ecs. (Hons.), M.P.E., stated that the students' involvement reflects the university's commitment to expanding access to halal certification for micro and small enterprises.

According to her, the government's free halal certification program requires competent facilitators to help more business owners meet the necessary requirements and obtain halal certificates. The participation of university students is expected to accelerate the development of the halal ecosystem while enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian MSE products in the national market.

Through this initiative, UNU Jogja equips students with professional competencies in halal assurance while encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to society. The collaboration between the university, the Halal Center, and local MSEs is expected to increase the number of halal-certified products and strengthen the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia's micro and small enterprises. [Latifah]