The Faculty of Agriculture of Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) held an online public lecture on “Global Halal Industry and Halal Food Forensic”. The event presented a speaker, Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir, M.Sc., (Professor International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia). The activity was conducted using the Zoom meeting application on Thursday (30/09).
Prof. Dr. Sc. agr. Ir. Baharuddin, the Dean of Agriculture, explained that halal products and their development are complex issues. Therefore, the session is needed to discuss implementing halal products, especially for the Muslim community.
“With this lecture, it can give us inspiration and input so that we can find out the development of halal products. In addition, it is also part of preparing our students who want to enter the business world so that they can produce and sell halal products,” explained Prof. Baharuddin.
The activity was officially opened by the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Partnership, Prof. dr. Nasrum Massi, Ph.D., Sp.MK. In his speech, he said that Unhas supports activities like this which are part of Unhas’ efforts for the WCU Program.
Furthermore, Prof. Nasrum added this activity is expected to be a forum for sharing scientific development. It is also a way to collaborate for researchers to produce more quality research by involving many researchers from different universities.
“Alhamdulillah, this year, we are grateful that Unhas can enter the world ranking list. This is a step to prepare our outputs through improving the quality of teaching, one of which is through research from various collaborations,” explained Prof. Nasrum.
In the presentation, Prof. Irwandi explained that the halal industry currently proliferates. The economic value of the halal industry is estimated to reach 3 trillion USD by 2023. Market segmentation also experiences rapid growth supported by a potential segment of 1.8 billion consumers, covering 40 countries and reaching 1.45 billion Muslims.
At least three main issues are needed to be concerned within the halal industry, including raw materials, processes, and consumption. The halal concept is holistic, which must be considered starting from raw materials to the use of the product.
“Halal issues are now a complex matter. Several potential areas in the halal enterprise must be studied, such as fats/oils, proteins, and alcohol. For example, in raw materials, we must pay attention to the animals or plants’ origin. The process of slaughtering, packaging, storage and distribution are also crucial so that these halal products are ready to be used by the community,” explained Prof. Irwandi.
Furthermore, Prof. Irwandi also gave an overview of how Malaysia implemented a much better halal ecosystem. Almost all government agencies have halal units, which helps increase halal products in Malaysia. Research on the halal concept is one of the priorities in Malaysia.
The activities guided by Prof. Dr. Meta Mahendradatta (Chairman of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture Unhas) was attended by approximately 300 participants.
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor : Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
