PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) is making a strategic impact on Indonesia’s MSME sector by providing free halal certification support.

Through its Bakti BCA program, the bank has helped thousands of small businesses navigate the certification process, which will be mandatory for all MSMEs by October 2026 under national regulations.

Halal certification is essential for many entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry, but a significant number remain uninformed about how to secure it.

BCA’s initiative bridges that gap, offering training, document assistance, and business development workshops across the country.

Kaloci PTK: Traditional Snack Business Sees Revenue Boost

Welly Kent Sent (31), founder of Kaloci PTK in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, recalls how daunting the certification process once seemed.

His company produces kaloci, a glutinous rice-based snack similar to mochi. He was one of 2,000 MSME owners who received assistance in 2024 through BCA’s program.

"From there, the impact we felt after our product received halal certification was a boost in confidence," Welly said during a recent interview in Batam.

He likened MSMEs without halal certification to cars without windshield wipers, technically operable, but unprepared for obstacles.

Now, with certification in hand, Kaloci PTK has seen an 11 percent year-on-year revenue increase by the end of 2024 and access to wider markets.

“Halal certification helps us reach wider markets in Indonesia, particularly Muslim consumers. It allows our products to be enjoyed with comfort and peace of mind,” he said.

Tibumi Juice: Packaging and Certification Drive Tenfold Growth

In Padang, West Sumatra, Anita Vemilia (41) also saw dramatic results after joining BCA’s program. Her business, Tibumi, started in mid-2023 with only Rp1 million in monthly revenue.

After receiving halal certification in December 2023, and guidance on branding and packaging — her earnings multiplied.

“Now that the packaging looks attractive, Tibumi products are everywhere. Alhamdulillah, our monthly revenue has exceeded IDR 10 million,” Anita said.

The training also helped shift her marketing from word-of-mouth to formal retail distribution, significantly expanding her customer base.

BCA’s Nationwide Effort: 5,000 MSMEs Targeted for Certification

By the end of 2024, BCA had facilitated over 3,000 halal certifications. In 2025, the bank aims to support 2,000 more MSMEs across Indonesia.

The most recent training was held in early August in Batam, where 300 MSME participants received hands-on assistance in meeting halal standards, improving product quality, and increasing their market reach.

Halal Certification: A Game Changer for Market Access and Trust

Both Anita and Welly agree that halal certification goes beyond regulatory compliance. It strengthens consumer trust and opens access to broader, more diverse markets.

For businesses in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, this certification acts as both a growth tool and a mark of credibility.

“BCA’s halal certification training program has greatly supported the sustainability of our family business,” Welly emphasized.

PHOTO: BCA

This article was created with AI assistance.