@Halal July/August 2023 | Page 15

JULY-AUGUST . 2023 | @ Halal

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compromise on prohibitions , such as pork consumption .

He also mentioned that Indonesia had favourable government support in the halal industry , including implementing policies and initiatives to streamline halal certification for products and services , providing incentives for halal businesses and facilitating market access .

“ The halal industry in Indonesia offers various opportunities across various sectors . It has comprehensive infrastructure development , including industrial zones , a logistics network , R & D facilities and specialised halal parks . Indonesia is also a strategic location in Southeast Asia , providing investors access to regional and global markets .”

THE LATEST HALAL TRENDS IN INDONESIA

Aryo shared there was a rise in the number of plant-based products and frozen food in the Indonesian halal market . He also mentioned the current trend where Indonesian consumers shop online through various e-Commerce platforms available in Indonesia .

“ There ’ s also an emphasis on traceability and transparency . Consumers increasingly demand transparency in the supply chain and production process of halal products ,” said Aryo , pointing out the need for brands to incorporate traceability measures in the production process through blockchain technology and QR codes .

“ So , halal supply chains , halal blockchain technology and QR codes are essential now to provide information about their products ’ origin , authenticity and halal integrity . Last but not least is halal travel and tourism , which I mentioned previously . The Indonesian government is very supportive of halal tourism because many areas in Indonesia are capitalising on it as their source of income .”

Inviting exhibitors to join HEI 2023 to find more halal opportunities in Indonesia , Aryo highlighted that the event would be the largest halal expo in the country . It has excellent networking in Indonesia ’ s halal market , and the event venue was accessible to visitors due to its strategic location . There will also be a halal conference featuring international speakers to share about the halal industry .

“ We create a global halal ecosystem by bringing together entrepreneurs , buyers , distributors , regulators , academicians and Ulama ’. So , the ecosystem is very comprehensive .”

For more detailed information about HEI 2023 , please visit www . halalexpoindonesia . com .

THE PHILIPPINES ’ halal trade and tourism market is a vibrant and growing industry that highlights the intersection of commerce , cultural diversity , and religious practices . As the demand for halal products and services continues to soar , this market presents various opportunities for businesses and travellers alike .

The Philippines Halal Trade and Tourism Expo , held at SMX Lanang Premiere from May 25-27 , 2023 , saw active participation from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia ( CGRI ) in Davao City . CGRI Davao City seized the opportunity to showcase a captivating fusion of economic promotion , tourism information , cultural elements , and Indonesia ’ s economic profile .

The main objective of Indonesia ’ s participation at the Halal Expo in Davao City was to introduce tourism opportunities and showcase Indonesian halal-certified products that have been widely accepted and distributed throughout the working area . This area covers a significant portion of the Mindanao region and Tawi-Tawi .

The Indonesian presence at the Halal Expo in Davao City brought together various participants , including PT . Safe Care Indonesia , presenting an array of aromatic essential oils , Luxfindoe Food Products Processing Davao City , promoting Indonesian cuisine , and DWP Persatuan KJRI Davao City , highlighting a variety of traditional Indonesian food and snacks , accompanied by a captivating performance of the Indonesian dance “ Gadis Melayu , Anak Medan .”

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were performances of students from the Sekolah Indonesia Davao ( SID ) who showcased the Tortor dance , contemporary Indonesian dance “ Menari ,” as well as the Batam Ensemble , highlighting Indonesian- Malay culture and the Betawi ethnic group ’ s iconic Ondel-Ondel dance .

Visitors were delighted to find a wide range of Indonesian cuisines available each day of the exhibition , including batagor , nasi kuning , gadogado , nasi uduk , various traditional snacks , refreshing ice desserts like cendol , an assortment of crackers , sweet soy sauce , and various types of sambal ( Indonesian chilli paste ).

Among the bustling booths , the CGRI Davao City booth stood out as one of the most popular and heavily visited . The entire CGRI Davao City staff , dressed in vibrant batik clothing and traditional Indonesian attire , captured visitors ’ attention .

THE INDONESIAN Muslim Entrepreneur Community ( KPMI ), renowned for its significant contributions to Indonesia ’ s thriving halal industry , stands proudly as one of the esteemed strategic partners of Halal Expo Indonesia ( HEI ) 2023 .

KPMI , a non-profit organisation , is devoted to becoming a place for Muslim entrepreneurs in Indonesia to learn and grow together , enabling them to enhance their professionalism in conducting business and apply Shariah principles across all aspects of their operations .

According to Drs . Rachmat Sutarnas Marpaung ( pix ), Chairman of KPMI , the halal industry is a sector currently experiencing rapid growth , not only in countries with a majority Muslim population but also in countries with a non-Muslim majority population .

“ Awareness regarding the significance of developing halal products and services is consistently and significantly increasing . For many individuals , halal is no longer merely perceived as a religious obligation but as a necessity and a way of life that must be fulfilled .

“ This is because halal products and services embody the essence of Thayyiban , encompassing goodness , fairness , well-being for all , and sustainability , which is currently an important issue in the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ),” Rachmat elaborated .

FOUR PILLARS OF KPMI

Rachmat stated that KPMI emphasised four key pillars in its programmes and activities . The first pillar is Education , which aims to enhance Islamic economic and financial literacy and halal awareness among its members .

This objective is achieved by developing training , coaching , and mentoring programmes offered via the KPMI Entrepreneur School , Electronic Lectures on fiqh muamalah ( e-KFM ), Export Academy , and Halal Industry Academy . Additionally , KPMI collaborates with strategic partners to provide its members with diverse business coaching and mentoring initiatives .

“ The second pillar involves supporting its members in producing products that adhere to local and international standards or certifications through building joint halal production houses , helping them gain access to obtaining halal certificates and product distribution permits , and fulfilling the standards needed both in local and global markets .

“ The third pillar , KPMI , in collaboration with its strategic partners , also facilitates its members who need Shariah-based financing for their business development , both from banks and non-bank financing institutions .”

Meanwhile , the fourth pillar enables KPMI to facilitate the marketing of its members ’ products and services through the organisation of

halal industry exhibitions , including Muslim lifestyle festivals , Muslim life fairs , and Halal Expo Indonesia .

“ KPMI also develops a distributorship and reseller network for its members , facilitates business matchmaking with domestic and foreign entrepreneurs , and holds trade missions to various countries to help KPMI members meet potential partners abroad ,” Rachmat said .

INDONESIA ’ S LARGEST HALAL EXHIBITION

Rachmat highlighted that HEI 2023 held significant importance for both KPMI and the halal industry stakeholders , Islamic economy , and finance . He emphasised that the event would be the largest halal exhibition in Indonesia , showcasing halal products and services from various countries .

The event would feature numerous talk shows , conferences , competitions , business matching , investor forums , business pitching , and other engaging programmes .

“ In this event , participants from various sectors ( private , government , non-government ) can meet to build networks , exchange ideas , views and information , seek business and investment opportunities or make mutually profitable transactions . This event is hoped to provide many advantages and benefits for all involved .” –