STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN PRODUK HALAL BERBASIS POTENSI LOKAL DI DESA SUMBER MULYO, KECAMATAN MERBAU, KABUPATEN LABUHANBATU UTARA

Abstract

Sumber Mulyo Village, Merbau Subdistrict, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency, possesses a diverse range of local economic potential spread across the food processing, animal husbandry, and trade sectors, most of which have not yet been managed with a standardized halal product orientation. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, using in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation study as data collection techniques, covering tempeh production, cracker (kerupuk) packaging, celery leaf (daun sop) processing, refillable drinking water packaging, Etawa goat farming, grocery stalls, miso food stalls, palm oil product sales, flower sales, and Brilink agent services, which were then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The results show that the village's local potential can be grouped into three clusters, namely home-based processed food, animal husbandry and its derivative products, and trade and services supporting the community's economy, each showing different levels of readiness toward halal status when viewed from the aspects of raw materials, production processes, packaging, and legality. The processed food cluster, such as tempeh, has the fastest opportunity to obtain self-declare halal certification because its raw materials and processes are relatively simple and controllable, whereas the animal husbandry and trade clusters still require strengthening in the aspects of standardization and halal product assurance literacy. The development strategy formulated includes gradual halal certification assistance, standardization of production processes, strengthening of packaging and branding, marketing digitalization, and pentahelix synergy among the community, village government, higher education institutions, and religious organizations. This research contributes a multisectoral local potential mapping model as a basis for halal product downstreaming strategies at the village level, which can be replicated in villages with similar economic characteristics.