INHALIFE 2024: Driving Digital Transformation in Indonesia’s Halal Industry

The 6th Indonesia International Halal Lifestyle Conference (INHALIFE) 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s halal industry by focusing on digital transformation and technological advancements. Hosted by the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center (IHLC) in collaboration with Bank Indonesia, the event was part of the 11th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) at the Jakarta Convention Center.

This year’s theme, “Capitalizing the Global Trends: Digitalization and Technology Transformation in the Halal Industry,” gathered global experts, government officials, academics, and business leaders to discuss the role of digital technology in enhancing halal industry practices. According to Juda Agung, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, the conference’s primary strategies included promoting halal-certified products through digital e-commerce platforms and implementing digital payment systems like QRIS to support accessible and inclusive transactions. He also emphasized the importance of Islamic digital finance and the role of AI-driven halal certification for increased efficiency and transparency in the halal assurance ecosystem.

Prof. Dr. Sapta Nirwandar, Chairman of IHLC, explained that digitalization is vital for Indonesia’s halal industry to remain competitive globally. The IHLC, in collaboration with DinarStandard and supported by Bappenas, released the Indonesia Digital Islamic Economy Report 2023/24, highlighting that Indonesia’s digital Islamic economy, valued at $40.57 billion in 2022, is projected to grow to $76.09 billion by 2029. This growth is attributed to rising halal awareness through digital media and the involvement of local digital unicorns.

Prominent figures like Irshad Cader, CEO of Globothink Consultants, emphasized the critical impact of digital tools on Indonesia’s 64.2 million MSMEs, which contribute 61% of the country’s GDP. Assoc. Prof. Winai Dahlan from Thailand’s Halal Science Center discussed innovations like HAL-Q standards and blockchain-based halal traceability, reinforcing Thailand’s reputation as the “Halal Kitchen of the World.”

The conference’s sessions covered key areas such as digital transformation in MSMEs, halal ecosystem innovation, and technology in smart food products, bringing together notable speakers and experts. The event concluded with remarks from Imam Hartono, Head of Sharia Financial and Economic Department at Bank Indonesia, urging further collaboration and innovation to strengthen the global halal economy.

With over 270 attendees, INHALIFE 2024 not only enriched industry knowledge but also advanced Indonesia’s leadership in the global Islamic digital economy.