Jakarta, Oct. 9 -- Indonesia's halal culinary sector embodies both regulatory compliance and the nation's cultural strength, a senior official said on Thursday.

Muhammad Aqil Irham, Secretary General of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), highlighted that halal food not only fulfills legal certification requirements but also represents Indonesia's rich culinary heritage.

"Halal cuisine is a symbol of quality, integrity, and national identity when prepared under halal product assurance principles," Aqil said.

He emphasized the strategic role of halal food in strengthening Indonesia's national halal ecosystem, given its direct interaction with the broader public.

Halal certification goes beyond formal labeling, serving as a qual...