Indonesia’s Halal Economy Thrives at Halal Creative Forum Jakarta 2024

Indonesia, with its vast Muslim population of over 230 million, representing nearly 13% of the global Muslim population, is not just a consumer market; it’s a burgeoning hub for the global halal economy. This dynamic sector, projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years, encompasses many industries, from the well-established halal food and pharmaceuticals to rapidly expanding sectors like modest fashion, halal tourism, cosmetics, and, crucially, the creative industries.

Recognizing the immense potential within this vibrant landscape, Scarf Media, a leading voice in modest fashion, Muslim lifestyle, and community engagement, recently hosted the Halal Creative Forum Jakarta 2024, a landmark event designed to connect, empower, and inspire key players shaping Indonesia’s creative future within the framework of Islamic principles.

The Halal Creative Forum Experience

Held on September 5, 2024, at the prestigious Balairung Soesilo Soedarman, a venue often chosen for high-profile national and international events, the Halal Creative Forum Jakarta 2024 provided a crucial platform for dissecting the latest trends, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering vital colvitalions within the halal creative industry. The forum attracted a diverse and influential audience, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise. Attendees included:  

• Creativepreneurs: Both aspiring and established entrepreneurs from a diverse spectrum of creative sectors. This included fashion designers specializing in modest wear, digital media producers creating halal-friendly content, animators developing Islamic-themed entertainment, culinary artists exploring halal gastronomy, and many more. These individuals represent the innovative engine of the halal creative economy, bringing fresh ideas and culturally relevant products and services to the market.
• Government Officials: Representatives from key government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry of Industry, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), play a crucial role in halal certification. Their presence signaled the government’s strong commitment to supporting the growth and development of the halal creative sector through policy initiatives, funding programs, and regulatory frameworks.
• Industry Experts: Renowned academics, seasoned consultants, marketing specialists, branding gurus, and representatives from international organizations specializing in halal business, sustainability, Islamic finance, and innovation. These experts provided valuable insights, shared best practices, and offered strategic guidance to attendees.
• Investors and Venture Capitalists: Representatives from venture capital firms, angel investors, Islamic financial institutions, and impact investment funds who are actively seeking opportunities to invest in and support promising halal creative businesses. Their presence highlighted the growing interest in this sector’s financial viability and potential.
• Consumers, and Influencers: Representatives from consumer groups, community organizations, and influential figures within the Muslim community who are deeply invested in the development of a thriving halal ecosystem. Their participation emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences in shaping the future of the halal creative industry.

A significant highlight of the forum was the insightful presentation by Marc Sidler, a recognized expert in branding, marketing, and business scaling, on “Scaling Up Brands in the Halal Creative Economy.” Sidler’s session offered practical strategies and actionable advice tailored specifically for halal businesses seeking to expand their reach and amplify their impact. Key topics explored included:

1. The Halal Consumer: Delving into the unique characteristics, values, and preferences of the halal consumer market, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations.
2. Halal Brand Identity: Creating a strong and authentic brand identity that resonates with target audiences and effectively communicates the halal value proposition.
3. Strategic Market Entry: Exploring different approaches for entering new markets, both domestically and internationally, while adhering to halal principles and navigating cultural nuances.
4. Leveraging Digital Marketing: Utilizing digital channels, social media platforms, and e-commerce strategies to reach a wider audience, build brand awareness, and drive online sales.
5. Strategic Partnerships: Forging alliances with key stakeholders across the value chain, including suppliers, distributors, retailers, and influencers, to enhance market reach and accelerate growth.

This session resonated deeply with attendees, particularly those representing SMEs and startups, who were eager to acquire practical knowledge and effective tools for scaling their businesses while upholding the core values of halal.

Empowering Muslimah Creatives

Building upon the energy and insights generated by the forum, Scarf Media hosted Muslimah Creative Day on September 6, 2024, at the bustling Pondok Indah Mall, a popular destination for fashion, lifestyle, and community engagement in Jakarta. This event specifically focused on empowering female entrepreneurs and creatives within the halal ecosystem, providing a dedicated space for networking, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and inspirational talks.  

Pipit Hayati’s presentation on “Investment in Certification for the Fashion Industry” proved to be a key highlight of Muslimah Creative Day. Hayati, a recognized expert in the fashion industry and a passionate advocate for sustainable and ethical practices emphasized the growing importance of certifications like OEKO-TEX in building consumer trust, enhancing brand reputation, and accessing new markets. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of:

• The Landscape of Textile Certifications: Exploring the various certifications relevant to the fashion and textile industry, including OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fairtrade, and other relevant standards, outlining their specific criteria and benefits.
• OEKO-TEX: A Deep Dive: Providing a detailed explanation of the OEKO-TEX certification system, including its different levels (STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, MADE IN GREEN), the testing procedures involved, and the benefits for both businesses and consumers.
• The Value of Certification: Highlighting the advantages of obtaining certifications, such as increased consumer trust and loyalty, improved brand image and market positioning, access to premium markets and export opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness.  
• The Certification Process: Offering practical guidance on the steps involved in obtaining OEKO-TEX and other relevant certifications, including application procedures, documentation requirements, testing protocols, and auditing processes.
• Financial Considerations: Discussing the costs associated with certification and exploring available support programs, grants, and financial incentives for SMEs and startups.

This presentation sparked lively discussions among attendees, particularly regarding the practical implications of certification for their businesses and the potential return on investment.

OEKO-TEX Certification in the Halal Creative Industry

OEKO-TEX, a globally recognized and respected independent testing and certification system for textile products, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and ethical production of textiles and garments. OEKO-TEX standards are based on rigorous scientific criteria and focus on: