EXPLORATION OF STUDENTS UNDERSTANDING HALAL PRODUCTS: KNOWLEDGE, CERTIFICATION MECHANISMS, CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND THE MASLAHAH PERSPECTIVE IN EAST LOMBOK

Abstract

This study examines students’ understanding of halal products, halal certification, consumer protection, and the maslahah perspective in East Lombok. Five important findings were obtained. First, students in East Lombok still have a limited understanding of halal products and halal certification as instruments that guarantee product quality, safety, legality, and compliance with Islamic law. Second, students’ understanding of the technical mechanisms of halal certification, including application procedures, product inspection, verification, and the issuance of halal certificates, remains theoretically limited. Most of the information they obtain comes from observing food presentation and labels, social media, the internet, and informal sources, while direct academic or institutional socialization regarding the certification process is still relatively limited. Third, in terms of consumer protection, students consider the presence of a halal label important because it provides a sense of security, confidence, and assurance when consuming products. The halal label is therefore perceived not only as a religious symbol but also as an important form of information for consumers in making purchasing decisions. Fourth, students recognize that the government has an important responsibility in supervising, regulating, facilitating, and educating the public regarding halal products and certification. Government involvement is considered necessary to strengthen public literacy and ensure the implementation of halal standards. Fifth, from the perspective of maslahah, halal products are viewed as contributing not only to religious compliance but also to health, safety, consumer protection, social welfare, and economic development. Halal certification can encourage the growth of the halal industry, strengthen consumer trust, support business actors, and ultimately contribute to improving community welfare. Therefore, strengthening halal literacy among students is essential for developing responsible and informed Muslim consumers.