No: 27/240/DKom
Indonesian women play a key role in strengthening the halal ecosystem within the national economy. With strong community networks and a collaborative spirit, Indonesian women serve as a key pillar in expanding the halal market, including global market potential, and strengthening economic resilience in Indonesia. That was highlighted during the Indonesia Conference on Women and Sharia Community Empowerment (ICWSCE) x International Halal Lifestyle Conference (INHALIFE) 2025, entitled Collaboration to Connect Muslim Women, Halal Businesses, and the Global Market, held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO) Convention Centre (10/10/25).
The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Choiri Fauzi, emphasised that women are the backbone of the national economy. Data shows that more than 64% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia are managed by women and that MSMEs are the main economic drivers, absorbing more than 117 million workers or approximately 97% of the total labour market. Through ICWSCE x INHALIFE 2025, Minister Arifah is strengthening the role of female Muslimpreneurs in terms of expanding halal markets in pursuit of inclusive economic growth. “Through empowerment and collaboration, Indonesian women will become the main drivers of an inclusive and sustainable halal economy," stated Minister Arifah.t
Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor, Filianingsih Hendarta, stressed that women's empowerment is not merely an issue of gender equality, but an economic development strategy to optimise the role of women in maintaining national and family economic resilience. “Through cross-sector collaboration, we want women not only as players but also key drivers in establishing Indonesia as a global hub of the Islamic economy and finance," said Deputy Governor, Filianingsih. The State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2024/25 noted that in the global halal sector, the potential role of women is growing, with global consumption of halal products reaching USD2.5 trillion, which is projected to increase to USD3.36 trillion by 2028.
The Chair of the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Centre (IHLC), Sapta Nirwandar, highlighted that women have a strategic role to play in driving the halal economy, not only as players but also as primary agents of change. “Through their creativity, values and enthusiasm, women make the halal economy about more than just business, thereby incorporating character, beauty and blessings." Sapta also reiterated his commitment, in synergy with Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), to strengthening cross-sector collaboration to expand the role of women in the global halal value chain. According to Sapta, halal industry development must be a collective movement that combines values, creativity and blessings in every aspect of economic life.
ICWSCE x INHALIFE 2025 serves to strengthen synergy among stakeholders, the Government, business community, financial institutions and women's communities in expanding the role of women in the halal economy. The event is also a forum to exchange knowledge and experiences based on best practices for the empowerment of Muslim women in halal businesses, while also creating competitive female entrepreneurs in the global market.
This year, the event is focusing on nurturing collaboration that connects Muslim women, halal businesses and the global market with priority sectors, such as halal food and beverages, modest Muslim fashion and halal cosmetics. To that end, BI has set three main goals with its strategic partners. First, establishing a collaborative network of female Muslimpreneurs nationally and globally. Second, increasing the business capacity and literacy of women, particularly in terms of access to finance, halal certification and business digitalisation. And third, developing a women-led community-based halal business ecosystem that contributes to job creation, halal market expansion and strengthening Indonesia's position in the global sharia economy.
The event is part of the 12th Indonesia Shari'a Economic Festival (ISEF), hosted by Bank Indonesia in synergy with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) and Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Centre (IHLC). The forum serves as a strategic platform to strengthen the role of women and the sharia community in the national halal value chain (HVC) and expand access to the global halal market. Moving forward, synergy between women, the sharia community and halal industry players will become a solid foundation to realise Indonesia's vision of becoming a global hub for the sharia economy and finance.
Jakarta, 10th October 2025
Communication Department
Ramdan Denny Prakoso
Executive Director
