The Interest in Islamic Economics Studies (EKIS), Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), received a benchmarking study visit from the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Syekh Nurjati Cirebon on Thursday (18/07) at Conference Room A, 5th Floor, Graduate School Building of UGM. Mariyah Ulfah, M.E..Sy., the Head of the Halal Assurance Agency (LPH) at IAIN Syekh Nurjati, explained the purpose and objectives of the benchmarking visit to EKIS, Graduate School UGM, stating that IAIN Syekh Nurjati plans to establish a new undergraduate program in Halal Industry. The visit was attended by 7 faculty members from IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon.
“We have faculty members specializing in halal studies but currently lack a specific program focusing on it. Our internal team is currently discussing the framework for establishing the undergraduate program in Halal Industry, including plans to form a new faculty. We intend to exchange information regarding the necessary curriculum, particularly which courses would be suitable,” said Mariyah.
The visit was welcomed by Nanung Danar Dono, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng, the Chairperson of EKIS. Before the discussion session began, Nanung briefly outlined the profile of EKIS. “Thank you for your intention to visit. EKIS operates under the Master of Religion and Cross-Cultural Studies program. We have faculty members from various disciplines and established international collaborations. Currently, EKIS holds excellent accreditation from BAN-PT,” said Nanung.
Nanung added that if IAIN establishes an undergraduate program, the scope would be broader. Required courses would include halal product certification; management of halal products including production, financial management, and packaging; halal product assurance; and relevant halal regulations under the law or other regulations. The Halal Industry program would also benefit from software practicals aiding in product packaging design, such as Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Canva.
The findings from this benchmarking study will be reviewed by IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s internal team to formulate plans for establishing the new Halal Industry undergraduate program. Nanung concluded the discussion session by expressing readiness to be invited for further sessions or in-house training if needed.
Keywords: halal industry, education, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDGs
Data: Catur Agus
Author: Asti Rahmaningrum