Jelegong Chips Producers Face Halal Certification and Packaging Standard Constraints

The cassava and banana chip business in Jelegong Village, Kutawaringin District, Bandung Regency, continues to face serious development challenges.

Although these snacks are popular for their savory and crispy taste, limitations in halal certification and packaging standards prevent businesses from consistently penetrating the modern market.

A 50-year-old chip craftsman from the village mentioned that his products have successfully been marketed to other regions.
“There have been requests from Jakarta and several cities in Central Java. They were even shipped to Lampung by land,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that not all orders go smoothly. Several times, orders were rejected because buyers requested guarantees of halal certification and retail-standard packaging.
“They often say the product is good and tastes delicious, but without a halal certificate and official packaging, the goods get rejected,” he explained.

This frequently hinders his business, even though market opportunities are actually wide open.
“It’s a shame, because we had prepared a large production batch, but it was ultimately returned because the requirements weren’t met,” he added.

Besides certification issues, limited capital is also a major problem. The craftsman admitted he cannot afford equipment like modern sealing machines and vacuum packaging that could extend the product’s shelf life.

“My capital is only enough for daily production. When supermarkets or large buyers typically pay later, it becomes even more difficult for a small business like mine,” he clarified.

He emphasized that the need for halal certification is becoming increasingly urgent.
“Now people are more careful; they want products that are clearly halal with neat packaging. If we just use regular plastic, it appears less convincing,” he stated.

Nevertheless, chips from the village still hold a special appeal for local consumers. Their savory taste and use of fresh ingredients keep many customers loyal.
“These homemade chips are crispier and more natural; the taste is just as good as those sold in big stores,” said a customer from Kutawaringin.

The local government has reportedly provided several MSME training sessions. However, according to the craftsman, this assistance hasn’t addressed the core needs of the artisans.
“We don’t just need theory; we also need help with certification, equipment, and additional capital to truly develop,” he expressed.

Despite facing many obstacles, the craftsman remains optimistic. He sees demand from outside West Java as a significant opportunity to grow his chip business.
“Once we have halal certification and standard packaging, I’m confident that chips from here could become a signature souvenir of Bandung Regency,” he said.

He hopes for tangible support from both the government and private sector to help elevate the chip business.
“If we receive equipment assistance and certification support, we can improve quality and reach a broader market. Small businesses like this shouldn’t stall just due to lack of support,” he concluded.