Intention to adopt a blockchain-based halal certification: Indonesia consumers and regulatory perspective

Abstract

PurposeHalal certification is an acknowledgment of the halalness of a product or service issued by a halal regulator based on Islamic law. This study aims to investigate the intentions of consumers and regulators toward blockchain-based halal certification. Blockchain is useful for storing and verifying halal certificates, thereby increasing trust in products or services because the public cannot change or access data once it is stored.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a triangulation approach by distributing online questionnaires to consumers as a research instrument of a quantitative approach processed with smart partial least squares. Meanwhile, the qualitative approach is carried out through observation, in-depth interviews with the Ministry of Religion’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) and Halal Examination Agency (LPH), and forum group discussions (FGDs) with several related parties.FindingsThe observation results show that most consumers expect the government to provide an easy-to-use application to check halal food products and restaurants. Consumers’ intention to use this technology is influenced directly by attitudes and indirectly by their beliefs. Furthermore, the results of interviews and FGDs reported that LPH was not ready to apply blockchain technology, while BPJPH strongly supported adopting blockchain technology in the certification process.Practical implicationsThis finding recommends that the Indonesian government apply blockchain technology to gain transparency and accountability regarding the halal product process.Originality/valueThis study fills the research gap by observing three perspectives from different stakeholders and using a triangulation approach to analyze the need for adoption of blockchain-based halal certification of halal food products.