Indonesia
In response to widespread reports regarding the disposal of milk products by several dairy collectors, the Postgraduate School of Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) invited the Head of East Java’s Livestock Agency and an expert from Malaysia to address the issue.
“The situation occurred due to a production surplus and sales restrictions imposed on collectors supplying large-scale dairy processing industries,” said the Head of the East Java Livestock Agency.
He noted that 62 percent of Indonesia’s dairy production originates from East Java, underscoring the province’s decisive role in the national supply chain.
“It is noteworthy that East Java serves as the central hub and primary distributor of livestock and animal feed products in Indonesia,” added Indiyah Iriani, Head of the agency and a UNISMA alumna.
The public lecture was opened by Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, MM., Ph.D., Director of UNISMA’s Postgraduate Program, on Friday, 15 November 2024. The event was attended by undergraduate and graduate lecturers from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, along with course instructors.
Organized by the Master’s Program in Animal Husbandry, the lecture was themed The Urgency of Halal Livestock Products in the Global Market Era.
“Halal products are not solely a religious necessity for Muslims; they have become a global industry standard. International consumers favor halal-certified food because research shows it meets high standards of hygiene and health,” Prof. Mas’ud Said emphasized.
Held at the East Java Studies Center on the third floor of UNISMA’s Postgraduate Building, the discussion was dynamic, featuring extensive livestock industry data and comparative insights with Malaysia.
A speaker from Universiti Malaysia Sabah explained that Malaysia’s institutional and regulatory ecosystem for halal governance is highly robust.
“Malaysia has emerged as one of the most advanced countries in the halal industry. This achievement is rooted in strong governance and rigorous halal standardization,” he said.
“However, our livestock production is supported by Thailand and Indonesia, as our domestic livestock population remains limited.”
He expressed hope that animal husbandry students would be equipped to serve as supervisors in the halal industry, not only in Indonesia but also internationally. (MMS/AL/PPS)
