Halal Expo Indonesia 2023 aims to gather global halal players in one collaborative platform
BY FATIHAH MANAF
Indonesia has emerged as one of the leading players in the global halal industry, with a rich and diverse market catering to the needs of its Muslim population. The country’s commitment to halal certification and production standards has positioned it as a hub for halal products and services. From food and beverages (F&B) to cosmetics and tourism, Indonesia offers a wide range of Muslim-friendly or halal-certified offerings.
The government’s active support and regulatory frameworks have encouraged the halal industry’s growth, attracting domestic and international investors. With a population exceeding 270 million, including the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia provides significant opportunities for businesses seeking to tap into the rapidly expanding halal market.
To further promote the country’s halal market, Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) 2023 is set to meet global halal players from Oct 25 to 29, 2023, at Jakarta Convention Centre, Indonesia. Organised by PT Halal Expo Indonesia, HEI is the largest annual B2B exhibition that showcases the halal industry in Indonesia and creates a halal business ecosystem for all countries worldwide.
According to Aryo Wibisono, Chief Financial Officer of PT Halal Expo Indonesia, the Indonesian halal market has witnessed significant growth and evolution over the years, positioning the country as a global leader in the halal industry. HEI will be the platform that brings together exhibitors, industry professionals, government representatives, and visitors from very various sectors of the halal industry.
HALAL EXPO INDONESIA 2023
“The event serves as a platform for businesses to showcase their halal products, services, and innovations. They will gain access to networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Exhibitors at HEI can expect a platform to present their halal-certified products and engage with potential customers and partners in the halal industry. They can showcase various halal products from F&B, cosmetics, etc.
“HEI is collaborating with the Indonesian Muslim Entrepreneurs Community (KPMI), which has 50,000 members spread throughout Indonesia with the most solid Muslim network in Indonesia. It has a substantial entrepreneurial community in the country. So, with this collaboration, the business opportunity that can be achieved via this expo is getting bigger and wider,” Aryo elaborated.
He said if players were eager to tap into the Indonesian market through HEI 2023 but needed more knowledge, the organiser and KPMI would provide support. This support would include guidance in achieving halal compliance and facilitating the distribution of their products nationwide in Indonesia.
He added that the organiser worked closely with the Indonesian government, as evident through their collaboration in co-organising the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF), initiated by the central bank of the Republic of Indonesia.
“We approached foreign embassies in Indonesia and Indonesian Trade Offices overseas to bring buyers from other countries to the expo. It will increase business opportunities between other countries to enter the Indonesian and global halal market.”
INDONESIAN HALAL MARKET
Pointing out the growth of halal certification in Indonesia, Aryo said: “The Indonesian government played a crucial role in the development of the halal market by implementing a mandatory certification system in 2019.”
He emphasised that as Indonesia moved towards 2024, the implementation of the halal certification system would be further strengthened. It means more food, beverages, and raw materials will be mandated to obtain halal certification before entering the Indonesian market.
“In Indonesia, consumers are becoming more aware of halal products and their importance. The halal market in the country has expanded beyond F&B to include various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, tourism and more,” said Aryo.
“In Indonesia, the halal F&B market is worth around US$209 billion annually. Halal cosmetics and personal care market in Indonesia is also huge, estimated to be worth US$4.9 billion.”
Aryo revealed that the Minister of Tourism Indonesia, Sandiaga Uno, wholeheartedly endorsed the concept of halal tourism in Indonesia. With the government’s efforts to develop a Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure, Indonesia has emerged as a global destination for halal tourism.
“Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands and more than 300 languages. It is initially known for its nature and cultural heritage. The country has developed Muslim-friendly infrastructure to cater to Muslim travellers and invested in halal tourism ventures such as halal-certified accommodations, restaurants and travel services.”
CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTORS
Aryo noted that demand for halal products increased due to the growing Muslim population in the country. He said the halal industry was considered sustainable and resilient due to the consistency of the demand.
“The Indonesian government remains committed to developing the halal industry further. It continues to invest in infrastructure, research and development (R&D), and promotion of halal products and services. It creates a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. The growth of the middle class’s purchasing power enables consumers to purchase a wide range of halal products and services,” shared Aryo.
“Why should global investors consider investing in Indonesia? First, because it has a large Muslim population with approximately 230,000 million Muslims, making the country the prime market for halal products and services.”
Despite the perception of some Indonesian Muslims being more open-minded, Shariah principles remain a fundamental aspect of their lifestyle. Most Indonesian Muslims uphold these principles and do not compromise on prohibitions, such as pork consumption.
He also mentioned that Indonesia had favourable government support in the halal industry, including implementing policies and initiatives to streamline halal certification for products and services, providing incentives for halal businesses and facilitating market access.
“The halal industry in Indonesia offers various opportunities across various sectors. It has comprehensive infrastructure development, including industrial zones, a logistics network, R&D facilities and specialised halal parks. Indonesia is also a strategic location in Southeast Asia, providing investors access to regional and global markets.”
THE LATEST HALAL TRENDS IN INDONESIA
Aryo shared there was a rise in the number of plant-based products and frozen food in the Indonesian halal market. He also mentioned the current trend where Indonesian consumers shop online through various e-Commerce platforms available in Indonesia.
“There’s also an emphasis on traceability and transparency. Consumers increasingly demand transparency in the supply chain and production process of halal products,” said Aryo, pointing out the need for brands to incorporate traceability measures in the production process through blockchain technology and QR codes.
“So, halal supply chains, halal blockchain technology and QR codes are essential now to provide information about their products’ origin, authenticity and halal integrity. Last but not least is halal travel and tourism, which I mentioned previously. The Indonesian government is very supportive of halal tourism because many areas in Indonesia are capitalising on it as their source of income.”
Inviting exhibitors to join HEI 2023 to find more halal opportunities in Indonesia, Aryo highlighted that the event would be the largest halal expo in the country. It has excellent networking in Indonesia’s halal market, and the event venue was accessible to visitors due to its strategic location. There will also be a halal conference featuring international speakers to share about the halal industry.
“We create a global halal ecosystem by bringing together entrepreneurs, buyers, distributors, regulators, academicians and Ulama’. So, the ecosystem is very comprehensive.”
For more detailed information about HEI 2023, please visit www.halalexpoindonesia.com.
