No.28/220/DKom 

Indonesia has significant potential to become a leading halal product producer and a global halal industry hub. Supported by the richness of Nusantara's culinary heritage, improving product quality and complying with halal standards can expand market access, including to international markets. Indonesia's progress in the global halal industry is also reflected in its international ranking. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2025/2026, Indonesia ranked third globally in the halal food sector, up one place from the previous edition. According to data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, this position is supported by a large domestic market and 123 halal Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with Foreign Halal Institutions (LHLNs), covering 43 countries as of 14 October 2026. This achievement underscores Indonesia's competitiveness and the potential to expand the global market reach of its halal culinary products.

This was conveyed by Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta at the opening of the International Halal Chef Competition (IN2HCC), held as part of the 13th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on 14 October. IN2HCC brings together MSMEs, professional chefs, and culinary industry players from various countries. The competition also showcases the richness of Nusantara's culinary heritage and encourages halal culinary innovation, including through the use of locally sourced ingredients. The event was attended by Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan, President of Islamic Chef and Culinary of Indonesia (ICCI) Adie Miartadi, and several ambassadors.

To capitalize on these opportunities, enhancing MSME productivity, maintaining consistent product quality, and expanding international market access are essential to strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesia's halal culinary products. Compliance with halal standards and certification serves as a foundation for consumer trust and a key factor in competing in global markets.

Human resource competencies also play an important role in developing the halal culinary industry. ICCI President Adie Miartadi highlighted the strategic role of chefs with expertise in halal standards in maintaining product quality, driving halal culinary innovation, and enhancing competitiveness. Strengthening chefs' competencies, supported by cross-sector collaboration and the development of menus using halal ingredients, can create business and employment opportunities while expanding market access for Indonesia's culinary products.

The development of the halal culinary industry also requires an integrated ecosystem. In addition to human resource competencies, attention should be given to the availability of quality halal ingredients, the adoption of digital technology, and stronger product identity and branding. An integrated approach can help businesses maintain consistent quality, build consumer trust, and generate sustainable added value.

Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasized that halal is relevant to everyone, not only Muslims. He described halal as a matter of awareness rather than restriction and encouraged the public to embrace and support halal culinary products in a positive and constructive manner. Halal practices, he noted, can strengthen consumer trust and loyalty, thereby supporting the development of the broader halal product ecosystem.

Bank Indonesia supports the development of halal food and beverage MSMEs through the Indonesia Sharia Creative Industry (IKRA Indonesia) program, including assistance to improve productivity and expand market access and business networks. Going forward, Bank Indonesia will continue to strengthen synergies with the government, businesses, culinary communities, and other strategic partners to develop a competitive halal culinary ecosystem. These efforts are expected to create more business opportunities and jobs while expanding the presence of Indonesia's halal culinary products in global markets.

The public can explore a wide range of activities at ISEF 2026, taking place on 14–18 October 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Jakarta. The event also features the Halalicious area, offering hundreds of halal food and beverage options from various regions across Indonesia.

Join us in developing Indonesia's halal culinary ecosystem, showcasing the richness of Nusantara's flavors, and bringing local culinary products to global markets.

Jakarta, 14 October 2026
Communication Department
Ramdan Denny Prakoso