Halal Indonesia International Trade Show elevates the halal experience with a diverse showcase and engaging activities
BY FATIHAH MANAF
Indonesia, renowned for its stunning diversity and a substantial Muslim population, is witnessing a growing demand for halal products, particularly in modest fashion. Simultaneously, numerous event organisers are responding to this surge in the halal market by hosting various events.
While there are many halal events organised throughout the year worldwide, PT Wahyu Promo Citra distinguishes itself through the Halal Indonesia International Trade Show (HIITS), conducted in conjunction with Halal Fair Tangerang 2023. Unlike typical events, HIITS went above and beyond by offering various activities, including Islamic lectures, kids’ programmes, and an array of Muslim-friendly experiences.
HIITS was held on Dec 8-10, 2023, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Tangerang, combining business-to-customer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) concepts.
Wahyu Promo Citra Project Director Satrio Sukur said the event provided a platform for showcasing high-quality local MSME products and offered suitable solutions and choices for consumers.
“The halal economic ecosystem needs to be strengthened, one of which is through the organisation of events that can encourage the development of halal lifestyles and revive awareness, especially for business owners to enhance their business capacity, especially in managing halal certification.
“It was our pleasure to organise this Halal Fair-HIITS 2023. On our second day, we had recorded approximately 8,000 visitors. For this edition, we featured 200 brands, including modest fashion, halal food and beverages (F&B), halal travel and tourism agencies and halal beauty products. We target 25,000 visitors and IDR 20 billion in business transactions,” shared Satrio.
In 2019 and 2022, the HIITS was known as the Halal Indonesia Expo (HIEX), attracting 47,000 visitors.
PARTNERING WITH JAGO SYARIAH
Wahyu Promo Citra partnered with Jago Syariah, the Shariah business division of PT Bank Jago, a prominent Indonesian fintech company. This collaboration reflects a solid dedication to fostering the growth of the halal industry in Indonesia through HIITS. Jago Syariah actively participated in HIITS, offering various benefits to its customers. New customers enjoyed free tickets, while those making transactions through Jago Syariah’s QRIS at selected MSME outlets received additional perks.
“Bank Jago is the main sponsor for HIITS. We have an application that everyone can use to deposit based on Shariah compliance. We have multiple ‘akad’ that can be used by people such as Wadiah contract and Mudarabah contract,” explained PT Bank Jago, Head of Shariah Financing, Agung Lesmana.
He acknowledged the existing challenge for the bank in addressing the comparatively lower level of Shariah financial literacy among Indonesians. However, the bank also sees this as an opportunity to enhance it, bringing it to par with or surpassing conventional levels. This initiative involves offering Shariah-compliant financial solutions through its digital application.
“Being the main sponsor of HIITS, the event aligns with our mission and aspiration. We want to be a part of the global halal ecosystem, especially in Indonesia,” he added.
FEATURING VARIOUS EXHIBITORS
Aside from Jago Syariah, the leading beauty and cosmetic brand, Wardah was also one of the sponsors of HIITS 2023.
According to Diva and Mai, representatives of the Wardah brand, Wardah, one of Indonesia’s first pioneers of halal brands, was proud to support HIITS 2023. As a prominent cosmetic brand in Indonesia, Wardah extends its product range beyond cosmetics to include skincare and personal care items, catering to the needs of Indonesian women. Notably, Wardah is positioned as an Indonesian brand committed to ongoing global expansion, continuously delivering its benefits to communities.
“Continue to support us as we strive to spread goodness throughout the world,” Mai concluded.
At Halal Fair–HIITS 2023, the Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) was also present to offer free consultation and halal certification services. It demonstrates BPJPH’s commitment to supporting the halal ecosystem. The event serves as a networking platform, facilitating partnerships on a national and international scale.
The Malaysia Pavilion featured 14 prominent brands, adding an international dimension to the exhibition. Foreign embassies from Palestine, Sudan, and Tunisia contributed to the event’s global representation.
Modest fashion took the spotlight, with brands like Alfi Huraiyah, Gerai Hawa, Maisara, and taQeeya showcasing their latest creations. Additionally, those looking to perform Umrah could explore offerings from travel agencies like Hanania Group. –
