No: 27/205/DKom
The sharia economy has emerged as a new source of economic growth, thereby unlocking blessings, equity and prosperity for all. In Eastern Indonesia (KTI), ongoing efforts to drive the sharia economy are being implemented in synergy with local communities, pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Sharia Economic Festival (FESyar) in Eastern Indonesia, spanning four days from 29th August-1st September 2025 in Pontianak, is providing momentum and synergy to all elements supporting the sharia economy in terms of strengthening stability and economic transformation in the region.
In his remarks presented at the closing ceremony by Regional Assistant 3, Alfian, the Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan, Krisantus Kurniawan, said “These comprehensive initiative provide strategic momentum for grounding the values of the sharia economy, while unlocking various opportunities for local communities to become acquainted and understand sharia economic development in more depth." With diverse cultures co-existing in harmony, including the Dayak, Melayu, and Tionghoa peoples, alongside various other tribes, West Kalimantan offers a variety of authentic halal products. Starting with traditional cuisine based on halal principles, to Muslim-friendly tourism and fabrics that can be integrated into modest fashion. “This provides strong capital to establish West Kalimantan as a new hub of halal industry growth in Indonesia," added Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan, Krisantus Kurniawan.
Head of the Sharia Economy and Finance Department of Bank Indonesia, Imam Hartono, reiterated that “The sharia economy not only offers an alternative but is also an integral part of the national development strategy." The Sharia Economic Festivals (FESyar) are expected to reinforce this position. The series of activities showcased at FESyar KTI recorded a tangible contribution by generating sales transactions for halal products from 22 provinces in the KTI region. In fact, business matching MSMEs with sharia financial institutions led to Rp15.8 billion in financing. This flagship event also featured 16 Safe and Healthy Halal Culinary Zones (Zona KHAS) and facilitated halal certification for MSMEs throughout Eastern Indonesia.
West Kalimantan, specifically, has massive potential to develop halal products, including key commodities such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, aloe vera and fish products, which can be processed further into value-added halal products. Access to international trade through the Entikong and Aruk border-crossings unlock compelling trade opportunities for halal product exports to Malaysia, Brunei and the ASEAN region, supported by Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) showcasing the Islam-Melayu culture and featuring the iconic Kapuas River and Equator Monument.
More than 44,000 visitors attended the series of activities, including the Sharia Fair, Sharia Forum and various competitions. The 'Green Space x Plastic Pay' collaboration was also presented at FESyar KTI 2025, which is an innovative concept of sustainability, recycling more than 4,200 plastic bottles and successfully reducing the carbon footprint by up to 450kg of carbon. In addition, FESyar KTI 2025 also hosted a Training of Trainers (ToT) event for 456 journalists covering the sharia economy to boost public literacy, coupled with the launch of the West Kalimantan Waqf Movement (Gerakan Kalbar Berwakaf), which aims to strengthen waqf as an instrument of socio-economic development.
FESyar KTI is one stop on the road to the Indonesia Shari'a Economic Festival (ISEF) 2025, to be held in October 2025 in Jakarta. In synergy with the National Islamic Economy and Finance Committee (KNEKS) and all strategic partners, Bank Indonesia will continue cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the halal value chain (HVC), nurture inclusive and adaptive Islamic finance, as well as increase sharia economic literacy and inclusion rooted in Islamic values to strengthen Indonesia's position as a global hub of the sharia economy by 2029.
Jakarta, 1st September 2025
Communication Department
Ramdan Denny Prakoso
Executive Director
