Indonesia is positioning itself as a global leader in the halal economy, with government officials highlighting significant progress in the sector. Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Riza emphasized the nation’s strategic push to strengthen its halal ecosystem during the launch of Halal Indo 2025, an international expo set to showcase the country’s capabilities in this rapidly growing market.
Recent data reveals Indonesia’s rising prominence, climbing to third place in the global Islamic economy rankings, trailing only Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. However, challenges remain in key sectors like halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where non-Muslim-majority countries still hold competitive advantages. Riza noted that branding remains a critical hurdle, as nations like Australia and China have already carved out dominant niches in halal beef and modest fashion.
To address these gaps, Indonesia plans to leverage Halal Indo 2025 as a platform to elevate its international profile. The event, scheduled for September next year in Tangerang, aims to attract global buyers and investors, building on the success of last year’s edition, which saw transactions worth over $77,000 and investment commitments nearing $360,000.
With halal exports surpassing $64 billion this year, Indonesia is doubling down on efforts to transform its industry into a world-class hub. The government’s focus on branding, sectoral expansion, and international collaboration signals a determined push to claim the top spot in the global halal market.