Indonesia and Thailand are forging stronger economic ties through strategic partnerships in key sectors, with halal industry collaboration taking center stage. During high-level talks in Bangkok, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra outlined plans to boost their $18 billion trade relationship through joint initiatives in halal certification, digital finance, and food security.
The discussions highlighted Thailand’s unique position as a non-Muslim majority country with a longstanding halal certification system dating back to 1948. Both leaders agreed that harmonizing halal standards could unlock new opportunities in Southeast Asia’s growing Islamic economy. Prabowo emphasized that this cooperation extends beyond religious compliance, serving as a gateway for expanded trade in agriculture and processed goods.
Food security emerged as another critical area of collaboration, with plans to strengthen supply chains and develop joint ventures in food storage and distribution. The two nations also committed to reviving the Indonesia-Thailand Energy Forum, signaling deeper engagement in energy sector investments. Thai companies are expected to play a larger role in Indonesia’s energy infrastructure projects in the coming year.
Prime Minister Shinawatra framed the halal partnership within Thailand’s broader food security strategy, noting its potential to stabilize regional trade flows. The agreement reflects Southeast Asia’s evolving economic landscape, where cross-border cooperation increasingly bridges cultural and industrial divides.