ISEF 2025 Showcases Indonesia’s Vision to Lead the Global Halal Economy

The Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2025 opened with grandeur on October 8, 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Convention Centre in Kemayoran, Jakarta, marking its 12th edition as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s ambition to dominate the global halal economy. Organized by Bank Indonesia in collaboration with key stakeholders in the Islamic economic and finance sector, ISEF 2025 drew over 1,000 exhibitors and international pavilions from 20 countries, reflecting Indonesia’s third-place ranking in the global Islamic economy, behind only Malaysia and the UAE. This five-day festival is a vibrant blend of business, culture, and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs, policymakers, and curious visitors eager to explore a $2.8 trillion halal market projected for 2025.

The theme, “One Stop Sharia Solution,” encapsulates Indonesia’s vision of a holistic halal ecosystem. Picture aisles teeming with halal-certified cosmetics, modest fashion fusing local artistry with global trends, and fintech solutions tailored for Islamic finance, all complemented by authentic Indonesian halal cuisine that celebrates tradition and sustainability. For Indonesia, home to over 230 million Muslims, ISEF is more than an event—it’s a platform to empower small businesses, forge global partnerships, and navigate the complexities of halal certification. Attendees, from students to seasoned professionals, find actionable insights, whether it’s scaling exports or embracing ethical economics that balance profit and purpose.

The opening ceremony set an inspiring tone with recitations from the Holy Quran, performances by artists like Quinn Salman, and the stirring notes of Indonesia Raya. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo reflected on ISEF’s journey since 2014: “Twelve years ago, we pioneered concepts like the halal value chain and pesantren economies. Today, ISEF is a testament to our progress, inviting self-reflection to chart bolder paths.” Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto added, “Indonesia’s halal food and beverage sector, valued at $109 billion, is a powerhouse. With nationwide Sharia compliance, we’re poised to leap from third to first globally.” These statements resonate in a nation where halal is integral to daily life, driving sectors from agriculture to tourism.

Social media buzzed with excitement, with attendees sharing moments of “halal vibes” and networking opportunities that felt transformative. For investors and entrepreneurs, ISEF 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities—business deals sealed on-site and forums tackling resilient supply chains amid global shifts. For everyday readers, it’s a reminder that ethical economics can fuel both prosperity and purpose, making ISEF a must-visit for anyone invested in the halal economy’s future.

Igniting Innovation: Key Highlights and Strategic Commitments Driving Halal Growth

ISEF 2025 unfolds across exhibitions, forums, cultural immersions, and interactive experiences, all designed to foster inclusivity and innovation. The Halal Products and Modest Fashion Exhibition is a centerpiece, showcasing sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tourism. Over 793 exhibitors, both local and international, display “global-ready” products emphasizing sustainability and Sharia compliance. The Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MF), billed as the world’s largest Muslim fashion show, runs for five days, blending traditional Indonesian textiles with contemporary designs. This segment underscores modest fashion’s $289 billion global market, ripe for Indonesian leadership.

Interactive elements captivate attendees: the ISEF Family Run promotes green lifestyles, while talkshows and tabligh akbar sessions offer spiritual and practical insights on applying Sharia principles in business. The Indonesia National Halal Culinary Championship (IN2HCC) elevates halal cuisine as a cultural ambassador, with chefs competing to showcase Indonesia’s heritage. BPJPH Secretary-General Muhammad Aqil Irham noted, “Halal culinary isn’t just certification—it’s our rich heritage on the global stage, blending flavor with faith.” For food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, this offers recipes, supplier connections, and strategies for scaling halal exports, which reached $15.87 billion in 2022.

The International Sharia Forum addresses critical topics like financial inclusion, green finance, and digitalization in the halal ecosystem. Seminars, such as those by the International Association of Islamic Economics, focus on optimizing the global halal industry for resilient growth. Attendees praise the Domestic Sharia Forum for demystifying halal lifestyles, with one participant noting, “ISEF gives space for everyone—from students to professionals—to learn and connect.” Business matching sessions are projected to generate millions in financing and collaborations, making these forums catalysts for tangible outcomes.

ISEF 2025 also launched four strategic commitments to accelerate Indonesia’s Sharia economy. First, the Masterplan Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah Indonesia (MEKSI) 2025-2029 aligns with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (2025-2045) for inclusive growth. Second, enhanced central-regional government synergy decentralizes halal development, empowering provinces like West Java and Aceh to build local hubs. Third, the expansion of SukBI Plus, Bank Indonesia’s Sukuk framework, aims to boost Sharia investments for infrastructure and MSMEs. Finally, an integrated Zakat, Infaq, Sedekah, and Waqf (ZISWAF) database streamlines philanthropy, channeling funds into education and healthcare.

These initiatives address real-world gaps: Indonesia currently holds 11.34% of the global halal market, with projections to reach 14.96% by 2025. For businesses, mandatory halal certification for food (and soon cosmetics) is a competitive edge. BPJPH’s partnerships with 94 international bodies simplify exports, as seen in recent forums in Brazil. Practical tip: MSMEs can visit halal consultation booths for free audits, often leaving with actionable roadmaps. The upcoming Halal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sidoarjo, East Java, announced in September 2025, will localize production in food, pharma, and logistics, attracting $19.4 billion in SEZ investments.

Paving the Path Forward: Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Impact

Running through October 12, ISEF 2025 extends its impact beyond Jakarta. Entrepreneurs gain clarity through fintech syariah workshops, learning how ZISWAF platforms democratize finance, while modest fashion demos inspire startups to merge Batik with hijab trends. One attendee shared, “Hunting halal products while building networks—ISEF is a game-changer for MSMEs.” Investors note the untapped potential in Muslim-friendly tourism, valued at $200 billion globally, with Indonesia’s 17,000 islands as a natural draw.

Challenges remain: scaling halal supply chains requires robust digital infrastructure, like blockchain for traceability amid volatile commodity prices. Certification backlogs, though easing with a 3 million MSME target by 2025, need streamlined support. Competition from Malaysia’s mature ecosystem and geopolitical tensions pose hurdles, but Indonesia’s raw materials (like palm oil) and young demographic offer advantages. As Airlangga noted, achieving President Prabowo Subianto’s 8% GDP growth goal hinges on optimizing Sharia engines.

Globally, ISEF 2025 elevates Indonesia’s soft power, bridging East-West divides through dialogues with international bodies, promoting halal as inclusive ethics. For emerging markets, it’s a model to emulate: prioritize value chains, from farm-to-fork traceability to green waqf investments. ISEF isn’t just an event—it’s a blueprint for a halal-led renaissance. Whether you’re a policymaker, an exporter eyeing Sidoarjo’s SEZ, or a consumer embracing halal lifestyles, ISEF equips you with tools for tomorrow. Join the movement and shape the future of the global halal economy.