Indonesia Aims To Lead the Global Halal Industry

Jakarta, May 1, 2025 – Indonesia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s leading producer of halal products, driven by a strategic vision to harness the sector’s vast economic potential. In 2024, the nation’s halal industry achieved export transactions totaling an impressive US$64.11 billion, signaling its growing influence in the global Islamic economy. The Ministry of Industry is now intensifying efforts to bolster the entire halal ecosystem, aiming to position Indonesia at the forefront of this dynamic market.

At the launch of the Halal Indonesia International Industry Expo (Halal Indo) 2025 in Jakarta on Monday, Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza articulated the urgency of this mission. “Strengthening the halal industry is not just a goal—it’s a strategic imperative for Indonesia’s economic and cultural leadership,” Riza declared. “By fostering innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, and building a robust ecosystem, we are committed to making Indonesia the global hub for halal products.”

Indonesia’s Rising Star in the Global Islamic Economy

Indonesia’s progress in the halal sector is underscored by its improved ranking in the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/2024. The country advanced one position to secure third place globally, trailing only Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. This milestone reflects Indonesia’s growing prominence across key sectors, including halal food and beverages, Islamic finance, modest fashion, halal tourism, and media. With a population of over 270 million—approximately 87% of whom are Muslim—Indonesia is uniquely positioned to lead the global halal market, which is projected to reach US$2.8 trillion by 2025, according to industry analysts.

The halal food sector remains Indonesia’s strongest pillar, with exports of processed foods, beverages, and agricultural products driving significant revenue. Meanwhile, the modest fashion industry has gained traction, with Indonesian designers earning international acclaim for their innovative designs. Halal tourism is also flourishing, with destinations like Lombok and Aceh attracting global visitors seeking Sharia-compliant travel experiences.

However, Riza acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly in the halal pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, where Indonesia trails behind some non-Muslim-majority countries. “To compete globally, we must invest in research, innovation, and compliance with international standards,” he noted. “These sectors represent high-growth opportunities that we cannot afford to overlook.”

Overcoming the Global Branding Challenge

A critical obstacle to Indonesia’s halal ambitions is the need for stronger global branding. Deputy Minister Riza pointed to the success of countries like Australia, the world’s largest supplier of halal beef, and China, a dominant player in Muslim fashion, as models of effective market positioning. “These nations have mastered strategic branding, certifications, and supply chain integration to capture significant market share,” Riza explained. “Indonesia must adopt a similar approach to elevate its halal products on the global stage.”

To address this, the Ministry of Industry is launching a multi-pronged strategy:

• Enhancing Product Quality and Certification: Collaborating with global halal certification bodies to ensure Indonesian products meet stringent international standards.

• Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Promoting Indonesian halal brands through digital platforms, trade missions, and participation in global expos.

• Capacity Building for SMEs: Providing training, funding, and technical support to small and medium enterprises to scale production and access export markets.

• Innovation in High-Value Sectors: Investing in research and development for halal pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods to meet evolving consumer demands.

Riza emphasized that branding is not just about logos or slogans but about building trust. “Global consumers seek halal products that are authentic, high-quality, and sustainable,” he said. “Indonesia has the opportunity to set the gold standard in this regard.”

Halal Indo 2025: A Global Platform for Growth

Central to Indonesia’s halal strategy is the Halal Indonesia International Industry Expo (Halal Indo) 2025, scheduled for September 25–28, 2025, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Tangerang, Banten. This premier event aims to showcase the breadth and depth of Indonesia’s halal industry, connect stakeholders, and drive economic impact.

The 2024 Halal Indo event set a high benchmark, attracting over 12,000 visitors from across the globe and generating transactions worth Rp1.3 billion (approximately US$77,419). The expo also secured investment and trade commitments totaling Rp6 billion (approximately US$357,320), underscoring its role as a catalyst for business growth. Exhibitors ranged from halal food producers and fashion designers to tourism operators and technology providers, reflecting the industry’s diversity.

Halal Indo 2025 promises to be even more ambitious, with an expanded program designed to position Indonesia as the epicenter of the global halal economy. Key highlights include:

• Exhibition Zones: Dedicated pavilions for halal food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, tourism, and Islamic finance, showcasing cutting-edge products and services.

• Business Matching Sessions: Facilitating partnerships between Indonesian producers and international buyers, distributors, and investors.

• Thought Leadership Forums: Panels and workshops featuring global experts discussing trends, certifications, sustainability, and digital transformation in the halal industry.

• Innovation Showcase: A platform for startups and innovators to present new technologies, such as blockchain for halal traceability and AI-driven supply chain solutions.

• Cultural Showcases: Celebrating Indonesia’s rich Islamic heritage through fashion shows, culinary demonstrations, and art exhibitions.

“Halal Indo 2025 will be a transformative event, uniting the global halal community and showcasing Indonesia’s leadership,” Riza stated. The Ministry expects the expo to attract 15,000 visitors and generate transactions exceeding Rp2 billion, further solidifying its economic impact.

Empowering Stakeholders for Success

Deputy Minister Riza called on all stakeholders—government agencies, private enterprises, academic institutions, and consumers—to rally behind Indonesia’s halal vision. “This is a collective endeavor that requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment,” he said. “Together, we can build an ecosystem that drives prosperity while honoring our values.”

To support this vision, the Ministry of Industry is implementing a range of initiatives:

• Incentives for Halal Certification: Subsidies and streamlined processes to help businesses achieve halal certification, particularly for SMEs.

• Training and Skill Development: Programs to equip entrepreneurs with expertise in production, marketing, and export strategies.

• Research and Development Grants: Funding for universities and companies to develop innovative halal products, such as plant-based halal foods and eco-friendly cosmetics.

• Digital Transformation Support: Tools and platforms to help businesses adopt e-commerce, digital marketing, and supply chain technologies.

The Ministry is also working with regional governments to establish halal industrial zones, which will serve as hubs for production, certification, and export. These zones aim to create economies of scale, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.

With its vast Muslim population, rich cultural heritage, and strategic geographic position, Indonesia is uniquely poised to lead the global halal industry. The sector not only drives economic growth but also aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical production. By addressing challenges, embracing innovation, and amplifying its global presence, Indonesia aims to surpass Malaysia and Saudi Arabia to claim the top spot in the global halal market by 2030.

The Halal Indo 2025 expo marks a pivotal step in this journey, offering a platform to showcase Indonesia’s capabilities and forge partnerships that will shape the future of the halal economy. As Deputy Minister Riza concluded, “Indonesia’s halal industry is not just about commerce—it’s about creating a legacy of excellence, trust, and global impact.”

For more information about Halal Indo 2025, including exhibitor registration and event details, visit www.halalindoexpo.com. To learn about Indonesia’s halal industry initiatives or explore partnership opportunities, contact the Ministry of Industry at [email protected] or visit www.industry.go.id.