Jakarta, April 29 -- Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) is working with Chinese halal bodies to align standards ahead of a mandatory halal certification policy set for October 2026.

BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Wednesday that the cooperation would benefit bilateral trade by easing exports while ensuring proper product screening.

He said one step includes meetings and discussions held earlier this week.

A total of 18 Chinese halal institutions were invited to discuss aligning Indonesia's regulations with existing practices in China.

He added the cooperation would also cover the broader halal ecosystem, including inspection, inventory management, packaging and distribution.

"The...