On Sunday morning, the atmosphere was lively on Jalan Pulau Pinang, one of Medan’s Car Free Day locations. Residents poured in to exercise, socialize, and hunt for snacks.

Amid the crowd, the event of handing over halal certificates to small business owners took place with great spirit and enthusiasm.

The Mayor of Medan, Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, who was present at the location, then asked one of the visitors to come forward. Mei, a tourist from Yogyakarta who was visiting Medan for the first time, bravely stepped up.

With a cheerful face, Mei expressed admiration for the Car Free Day on Jalan Pulau Pinang, which was so crowded and full of culinary choices. “It feels like my hometown, lots of snacks, the atmosphere is very lively,” she said.

Rico Waas then asked a simple question: is it more comfortable to buy products with a halal certificate or without? Without hesitation, Mei replied that it is more comfortable to buy products that are halal certified. That short answer was immediately met with applause from the visitors.

As a form of appreciation, Rico Waas gave Mei a shopping voucher worth IDR 500,000 so she could buy halal-certified small business products at the Car Free Day area.

“A halal certificate is not just a religious matter, but it also provides comfort and assurance to the consumers,” explained Rico Waas.

This event was also a valuable moment for around 120 business owners. They received halal certificates after receiving guidance from the Mathla’ul Anwar Halal Product Process Assistance Institute. Most of them are food traders who regularly set up stalls every Car Free Day.

“The Medan City Government continues to encourage small businesses to obtain halal certificates. This is part of the effort to improve product quality so they can move up a class,” said Rico Waas, who was accompanied by several regional officials.

According to Rico Waas, halal certification not only adds value to products but also strengthens the competitiveness of small businesses in an increasingly tight market. This way, consumers feel more comfortable, while business owners gain greater trust.

Rico Waas added that the Medan City Government fully supports programs that make it easier for business owners to obtain halal certification. This support is realized through training, mentoring, and facilitation of registration.

“In addition to increasing value, a halal certificate also strengthens our steps to make Medan one of the largest small business centers in Indonesia,” emphasized Rico Waas.

Jalan Pulau Pinang

Jalan Pulau Pinang is a major thoroughfare in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, whose name translates to “Penang Island Road.” Historically, it has been a central commercial and shopping district for decades, forming part of the city’s famous “Golden Triangle.” Today, it is flanked by modern skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and shopping malls, reflecting Kuala Lumpur’s rapid development from a colonial town into a global metropolis.

Medan

Medan is the capital and largest city of North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically developed as a major economic center from a plantation town established by Dutch colonialists in the late 19th century. It is a vibrant, multicultural hub known for its diverse architecture, including the iconic Maimun Palace, which reflects its Malay sultanate heritage.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historic city on the Indonesian island of Java, serving as a center for classical Javanese arts and culture. It was the seat of powerful empires, most notably the Mataram Sultanate, which established the city in the 18th century. The region is famed for its two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient Buddhist temple Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex Prambanan.

Mathla’ul Anwar Halal Product Process Assistance Institute

The Mathla’ul Anwar Halal Product Process Assistance Institute is a modern institution established to support and certify halal products in Indonesia. It operates under the auspices of Mathla’ul Anwar, a major Islamic mass organization founded in 1916 that has a long history in education and community development. The institute provides guidance, training, and assistance to businesses seeking to navigate the official halal certification process.