The Role of Halal Certification in Enhancing Microbusiness Capacity: An Empowerment Perspective in Klara Beach, Pesawaran

The global increase in halal product consumption trends has positioned halal certification as an essential instrument—not only for regulatory compliance but also as a strategy for community empowerment. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Pantai Klara tourism area, Pesawaran, hold great potential to support the local economy; however, they continue to face challenges such as limited knowledge, financial constraints, and restricted access to halal certification assistance. This study aims to analyze the role of halal certification in enhancing the capacity of micro-enterprises from a community empowerment perspective. The research adopts the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which includes five stages: Discovery, Dream, Design, Define, and Destiny. Research instruments consist of pretests and posttests to measure business actors’ knowledge and attitudes, as well as participatory observations to understand practical implementation. Data were analyzed descriptively, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to evaluate the effectiveness of training interventions. The results revealed a significant improvement in entrepreneurs’ knowledge of halal certification regulations, particularly regarding the obligation for halal-certified food and beverage products (57.40%), understanding of Law No. 33 of 2014 (51.85%), and awareness of administrative sanctions (51.85%). Furthermore, attitude changes were reflected in the increased interest in registering their businesses with BPJPH (29.63%) and applying for halal certification (40.74%). Full support for the halal tourism concept reached 100%, indicating collective readiness among business actors to develop Pantai Klara as a Muslim-friendly destination. These findings affirm that halal certification is not merely an administrative requirement but also a tool for empowerment that enhances knowledge, transforms attitudes, and strengthens MSME competitiveness. The program also contributes to building an inclusive and sustainable halal tourism ecosystem through collaboration among MSMEs, local governments, and certification bodies. Therefore, halal certification plays a strategic role in strengthening local economic resilience and promoting the development of halal tourism in Indonesia.