Indonesian public health advocates and Islamic organizations have mobilized to prevent tobacco products and e-cigarettes from receiving halal certification. The debate intensified during a public forum in Jakarta as the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) prepares to implement mandatory halal regulations on October 18, 2026.
Although BPJPH’s official mandatory list focuses on food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, the ambiguous status of addictive substances has sparked debate. Under Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2024, tobacco and e-cigarettes are legally classified as addictive substances subject to strict health warnings.
Health Experts Challenge Product Ethics
Public health leaders argue that certifying tobacco as halal sends a contradictory and dangerous message to consumers. Indonesian Consumers Empowerment Forum (FKBI) Chairman Tulus Abadi stated that tobacco products carry the same negative societal impacts as alcohol.
“The addictive nature shows that cigarettes are not thayyib, because they create negative externalities along with dependency and addiction for users,” Abadi said.
National Committee on Tobacco Control (Komnas PT) Chairman Prof. Hasbullah Thabrany questioned the logic of certifying products that carry mandatory health warnings. “If 10 ml of liquid nicotine can kill a human instantly and cigarette packs state ‘smoking kills you,’ does it make sense to label it halal?” Thabrany asked. “For the benefit of the people, let all Muslims speak up: do not let cigarette products receive a halal label!”
Muhammadiyah Demands Mandatory Non-Halal Labels
Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s second-largest Islamic organization, held a formal meeting with BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan to request explicit “non-halal” labeling on all combustible cigarettes and vapes. The group previously issued formal religious decrees (fatwas) declaring smoking haram in 2010 and e-cigarettes haram in 2020.
“Muhammadiyah has taken a firm stance for more than a decade: cigarettes are haram,” said Nur Fajri Romadhon of Muhammadiyah’s Tarjih and Tajdid Council. Dr. KH. M. Saad Ibrahim added, “Granting a halal label to cigarettes would be proof of a setback.”
BPJPH Regulatory Response
BPJPH officials confirmed that halal registration operates strictly under Law No. 33 of 2014 and formal religious guidance. Products confirmed as non-halal are exempt from halal certification but must display clear non-halal warnings to protect consumer choice.
Dr. Djamaludin, Director of Halal Registration at BPJPH, stated that input from health experts and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) will serve as technical guidance for upcoming product labeling policies.