Indonesia's vision of becoming a global hub for halal production is a focus of the government's efforts to advance the country's Islamic economic and financial industries. This vision aligns with Vice President Ma'ruf Amin's emphasis on the development of the halal industry, leading the government to establish a Halal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to facilitate the growth of the halal industry. The increasing market share of the halal industry, along with substantial development potential and the demand from Indonesia's Muslim population for halal labeling and certification, are driving the acceleration of the Halal SEZ in Indonesia. To expedite the realization of the Halal SEZ, the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, met with the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah, Yusron B. Ambary, in the office of the Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. During this meeting, Susiwijono provided a comprehensive explanation of the concept of the Halal SEZ and the potential for market development in Saudi Arabia. Susiwijono noted that Indonesia currently has 20 Special Economic Zones. As part of the effort to establish a Halal SEZ, the concept is to become part of the global value chain of the global industry.

"We are in the process of deepening our collaboration with global industries based in China, Japan, and Korea, which have markets in Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern countries. We can select a point in the production process to be carried out in Indonesia," said Secretary Susiwijono. To promote the halal industry and realize the Halal SEZ, the role of all Indonesian representatives abroad, especially in Middle Eastern countries and predominantly Muslim nations, is crucial, particularly in exploring markets and driving demand."With the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement between BPJPH of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, it is expected to facilitate the export of goods from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia. This can significantly increase Indonesia's exports to Saudi Arabia," he added. Furthermore, discussions were held with Director of the Strategy, Budget, and Corporate Performance Department at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), to explore opportunities for various policies and programs within the IsDB that can be leveraged for the development of the Halal SEZ.

Source: https://sharia.republika.co.id/berita/s3q7h7502/industri-global-didorong-masuk-kek-halal-indonesia