Identifying Halal Critical Points in the Supply Chain of the Halmahera Hydroponic Home Industry

Abstract

The increasing number of Muslim consumers who are concerned about the halal status of food products has made halal assurance essential, not merely at the level of the finished product but across the entire supply chain. This study sets out to identify Halal Critical Points (HCP) within the supply chain of a hydroponic home-based enterprise, namely Halmahera Home Industry, situated in Kajen District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java. A descriptive qualitative approach was applied, drawing on field observation and in-depth interviews with the business operator. Eight HCP aspects, namely nutrients and fertilizer, growing media, water source, harvesting tools, cleanliness of the production area, packaging, storage, and distribution, were examined through the lens of the Halal Supply Chain Management (HSCM) framework. The results indicate that all eight HCP aspects within this home-based enterprise have, in principle, been satisfied, despite the absence of formal halal certification. These findings point to the considerable potential of small-scale hydroponic businesses for integration into a wider halal food supply chain, on condition that formal certification is subsequently pursued. This study contributes to the development of a more inclusive halal audit framework intended for micro and small enterprises operating within the urban agriculture sector.