Jakarta – The halal economy, once perceived as a niche market for the Muslim community, has now transformed into a strategic economic force that has entered the mainstream of the national economy. The growing global demand for halal-based products and services has made this sector no longer just a niche market but a new pillar of economic growth.
From food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, to financial services and tourism, halal is now synonymous with standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. This transformation aligns with government policy, which positions the halal economy as a new engine of national development.
The Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, emphasized that the consolidation of the national halal ecosystem is increasingly mature, especially ahead of the implementation of the Mandatory Halal policy in October 2026.
“2026 will be the year of Indonesia’s halal revival. This coincides with the implementation of the mandatory halal certification policy, or Wajib Halal, and the consolidation of an increasingly mature national halal ecosystem,” said Haikal.
He believes Indonesia has the strategic capital to lead the global halal industry, ranging from the world’s largest Muslim population, rich natural resources, to a strong MSME base.
According to Haikal, Indonesia’s halal orientation is not only for the domestic market.
“Indonesian halal is not just for Indonesians. It’s for the global community. We want our halal products to become global quality standards and competitive in the global market,” he said.
He emphasized that halal has now gone beyond mere religious issues and serves as a driver of economic growth.
“Transforming halal as a standard has been proven to support industry, trade, investment, and job creation. Even non-Muslim countries are already reaping the economic benefits of serious halal industry development,” he said.
Regional government support is also increasingly evident. Banten Governor Andra Soni emphasized that the halal industry in his region is not merely potential, but a concrete national economic strength. This is reflected in the continued positive growth of MSMEs.
“Today, halal is no longer just a religious matter. It has transformed into a lifestyle, a health standard, and even an economic instrument encompassing various service sectors,” Andra explained.
He ensured that the Banten Provincial Government is ready to fully support the national halal certification program through direct facilitation by the relevant agencies.
Lampung Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela echoed this sentiment. She urged businesses to view the mandatory halal certification, which will take full effect starting October 26, 2026, as an opportunity for market expansion, not an administrative burden. She also emphasized the importance of downstreaming Lampung’s leading commodities to create added economic value.
“It requires thorough planning, ready infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and most importantly, consistency,” he said.
With the synergy of central and regional policies, Indonesia’s halal economy is increasingly asserting its position as a new, inclusive and competitive force. This transformation not only opens up a wider market but also establishes halal as a global standard that drives sustainable national economic growth.