@ Halal | September-October . 2024

HIITS ’ return presents glimpse of what lies ahead for the halal business industry

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

“ HIITS and Halal Fair will be organised in three large halls at Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD City ( ICE-BSD ), a significant expansion from 2023 ,” announced Wahyu Promo Citra Project Director Satrio Sukur .

The larger venue is expected to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors . This also means a more extensive platform for showcasing halal offerings , reinforcing HIITS as a leading halal trade show in the region .

Among the activities planned for this year are exclusive seminars called ‘ Rihla ’, workshops , and a coaching clinic tailored for SMEs . These programmes are not just about knowledge sharing but also about providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by SMEs in the halal industry .

They are aimed at addressing the unique needs of SMEs , such as navigating halal certification processes and understanding market trends , aligning with the event ’ s mission .

In preparation for HIITS 2024 , new partnerships and collaborations have been established to enhance the event ’ s offerings . These include the Halal Product Assurance Organising Body ( BPJPH ), the National Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance ( KNEKS ), and the Indonesia Syariah Economic Community ( MES ), among other government institutions .

ENGAGEMENT AND DEMAND

“ They are major contributors to the halal ecosystem in Indonesia . Through these partnerships , we hope to introduce new themes and address current issues related to the local halal economy ,” said Satrio .

The HIITS & Halal Fair 2024 will continue to highlight modest fashion , halal food and beverages ( F & B ), beauty cosmetics , and travel tourism . These are all categories with high engagement and demand from Indonesian consumers .

This year , we will also see a new emphasis on agriculture . This move is expected to broaden the scope of the trade show , with a focus on halal agriculture products and practices .

It aims to underline Indonesia ’ s potential in halal agriculture and provide a platform for stakeholders in this sector to showcase their products and innovations .

The 2023 edition of HIITS recorded impressive business transactions totalling IDR20 billion over

Satrio Sukur speaking at the Kartika Expo Center .

THE Halal Product Assurance Organising Body ( BPJPH ) demonstrates its ongoing commitment to advancing the halal ecosystem in Indonesia by serving as a critical partner for this year ’ s Halal Indonesia International Trade Show ( HIITS ).

Established in 2017 , BPJPH is a government institution responsible for overseeing the assurance of halal products in Indonesia . Its authority on halal product assurance encompasses setting policies , establishing standards , issuing halal certificate , conducting education and publications , accrediting halal inspection agencies , registering halal auditors , conducting halal surveillance , development , and cooperation aimed at strengthening the country ’ s halal industry .

Muhammad Aqil Irham

three days . For HIITS 2024 , the organisers have set even higher targets to surpass last year ’ s achievements .

“ We are optimistic about the potential of HIITS 2024 to achieve even greater success , Satrio added .

“ By hosting the event in three large halls and introducing new programmes

“ The Law No . 33 of 2014 requires products entering Indonesia from other countries to meet halal standards . The law also marks a shift from a previously voluntary halal certification system to a mandatory one ,” explained Head of BPJPH Muhammad Aqil Irham . Unlike Malaysia , where the government holds total authority over halal certification , Indonesia employs a more collaborative approach . BPJPH leads a halal collaborative ecosystem involving Halal Inspection Agency ( LPH ), Halal Product Process Assistance Agency ( LP3H ), Indonesian Ulema Council ( MUI ) and Halal Product Fatwa Committee .

This collaboration also extends to the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority ( BPOM ), the Ministry of Agriculture , and other ministries involved in industry , trade , and export-import regulations .

BPJPH also partners with the National Standardization Agency ( BSN ) and the National Accreditation Committee ( NAC ) to develop and align halal standards .

BPJPH ’ s accreditation guidelines mandate that all LPHs have at least three trained and certified halal auditors . In cases where an LPH does not have its laboratory , it must collaborate with other entities that operate one to

and partnerships , we believe we can attract more exhibitors and visitors , creating a dynamic and fruitful environment for all participants .”

As HIITS 2024 approaches , expectations are high for another successful event . HIITS 2024 is not just an exhibition ; it ’ s a gateway to “ The Future of Halal Business .” –

meet the accreditation standards .

COLLABORATION WITH MALAYSIA

That being said , laboratory tests are crucial for verifying product compliance with halal standards . To improve this aspect of halal certification , BPJPH organised the Indonesian Halal Laboratory Consortium .

“ This consortium brings together more than 14 laboratories from various sectors , including government institutions , the private sector , and universities ,” informed Aqil .

Regarding the institution ’ s collaboration with Malaysia , Aqil explained : “ We conduct mutual assessments with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) and have signed mutual recognition agreements , allowing Malaysian and Indonesian products to enter and exit both countries seamlessly .”

The importance of collaborative efforts is further highlighted , given that micro and small enterprises ( MSEs ) need monetary support to finance their certification .

“ Given the limitations of government funding for free halal certification , we encourage collaborations to support this initiative ,” urged Aqil .