North Sumatra issues free halal certificates to 1,000 companies
The Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprov) continues to strengthen the competitive position of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Through the North Sumatra Provincial Office for Cooperatives, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UKM), the Provincial Government is facilitating the issuance of 1,000 free halal certificates to companies. This is to increase market access and comply with mandatory halal regulations for food and beverages.
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The program, which is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, is being launched as part of the “Sumut Halal Fest” series, taking place on August 11 and 12, 2026, in collaboration with Bank Indonesia.
“In collaboration with Bank Indonesia, we are organizing the North Sumatra Halal Fest on August 11 and 12, 2026. During this festival, we will facilitate the issuance of 1,000 free halal certificates. Therefore, SMEs that do not yet have a halal certificate can contact the Cooperative Office directly,” stated Yuliani Siregar, Head of the Provincial Office for Cooperatives, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of North Sumatra, during a press conference of the Communication and Information Office of North Sumatra in the Dekranasda lobby of North Sumatra, at the office of the Governor of North Sumatra in Medan.
The event, which takes place at the Integrated Business Training and Services Unit (PLUT) in the PRSU area of North Sumatra, also includes a workshop on ‘1,000 SMEs become halal’, a halal products fair, business financing opportunities, and a halal center serving as a service and advice center.
“We hope that this activity will accelerate the transformation of SMEs in North Sumatra towards more competitive, high-quality products with halal certification,” said Yuliani.
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According to data from 2025, North Sumatra has 1.4 million SMEs. The entrepreneurship rate has risen to 4.1% and shows an upward trend.
“This is a crucial factor for a more productive, innovative, and competitive North Sumatra,” he said.
In addition to promoting halal certification, the Bureau for Cooperatives and SMEs of North Sumatra also implements various strategic programs to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs.
These programs include selecting SMEs with export potential, training and guidance through the “Fast Track DigiEkspor” program, and facilitating the management, activation, and optimization of accounts on international marketplaces.
“This year, we are offering 100 SMEs in North Sumatra access to the international market via the Alibaba.com platform as a global marketplace. This is expected to pave the way for international market access,” said Yuliani.
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The program is currently in the participant selection phase. Selection is based on recommendations from stakeholders, district/municipal cooperative offices, and independent applications from SMEs.
The Provincial Government of North Sumatra will also implement the “Fast Track Youngpreneur (FYP) Level Up” program, which focuses on the development and empowerment of export-oriented young entrepreneurs. This program is part of the government’s strategy to create young entrepreneurs capable of competing in the international market.
“FYP Level Up will be integrated with business incubation activities and the regional strategic program for the digital market of North Sumatra. The target number for participation is 80 SMEs, and we are currently in the selection phase,” explained Yuliani.
Meanwhile, the Bureau for Cooperatives and SMEs of North Sumatra is transforming the Technical Implementation Unit PLUT (UPT PLUT) into an integrated SME service center. This facility will serve as a center for permits, legal affairs, product certification, financing, and various support services for business development.
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The SME service center is also designed as a center for business advice and guidance, and as a promotional space for high-quality regional products. Its presence is expected to create an ecosystem that facilitates doing business, promotes protection, and strengthens SMEs in North Sumatra.
“The transformation of PLUT involves the renovation of the facade, the drafting of operational rules, the design of the center’s layout, and the development of a service concept. We hope that PLUT can become a marketing center for SME products from North Sumatra, just like Krishna in Bali and Pusaka in Aceh. We want to create something similar in North Sumatra,” said Yuliani. ***REL
