Source: CNBC Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia has set its sights on claiming the top position in the global halal industry, a bold ambition articulated during the opening ceremony of the BSI International Expo 2025. The four-day exhibition, running from June 26-29 in Jakarta, serves as both a declaration of intent and a comprehensive display of the nation’s Islamic economic capabilities.

Minister of Investment and Head of BKPM, who also serves as CEO of Danantara Indonesia, Rosan P. Roeslani, emphasized this strategic objective while inaugurating the event. His remarks were grounded in Indonesia’s National Long-Term Development Roadmap for Sharia Economy and Finance (RPJPN) 2025-2045, which positions the advancement of Islamic financial industry as crucial for achieving Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045.

Navigating Global Challenges Through Islamic Economic Solutions

Speaking at the expo’s opening, Rosan highlighted the complex landscape facing the global economy today. “The current global environment is filled with various challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties and climate change to technological and economic disruptions,” he stated. “In such circumstances, we are compelled to discover new sources of growth that are inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.”

This context frames Indonesia’s halal industry push not merely as an economic opportunity, but as a strategic response to worldwide instability. The Islamic economic ecosystem is positioned as offering viable solutions to contemporary global challenges, transforming from an alternative approach into a mainstream economic driver.

The Reality Check: Indonesia’s Current Standing and Untapped Potential

Despite Indonesia’s aspirations for global leadership, current international rankings place the country at third position in the global halal industry index. This positioning appears incongruous given that over 80% of Indonesian consumers already recognize the importance of halal products, indicating a mature domestic market ready to support robust industry growth.

The disconnect between potential and performance highlights several persistent challenges that continue to impede Indonesia’s advancement:

Market Awareness and Business Literacy Gaps

One significant obstacle remains the relatively low level of halal literacy among business operators. Many entrepreneurs and companies lack comprehensive understanding of halal requirements, certification processes, and market opportunities, creating barriers to effective participation in the Islamic economy.

International Certification Harmonization

Another critical challenge involves the lack of optimal harmonization in halal certification standards between countries. This fragmentation complicates international trade and reduces the efficiency of global halal supply chains, potentially limiting Indonesia’s export competitiveness.

The Collaborative Imperative: Building Comprehensive Halal Ecosystems

Recognizing that piecemeal approaches cannot address the complexity of halal industry development, stakeholders emphasize the necessity for comprehensive ecosystem strengthening. This requires coordinated efforts involving multiple key players:

• Regulators who establish frameworks and standards
• Business operators who drive innovation and production
• Consumers who create demand and provide feedback
• Financial institutions like BSI that provide Islamic banking services

The BSI International Expo 2025 exemplifies this collaborative approach, designed as a strategic initiative to propel Indonesia toward the top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator. The event represents more than just a trade show—it’s a deliberate step toward ecosystem integration and development.

BSI’s Role as Islamic Economy Aggregator

Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), operating under the Danantara Indonesia umbrella as the nation’s largest Islamic bank, positions itself as a central aggregator for Indonesia’s halal ecosystem growth. President Director Anggoro Eko Cahyo expressed appreciation for government support while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Despite its leadership position, BSI faces the stark reality of Indonesia’s Islamic banking market share, which remains at a modest 8%. This relatively low penetration rate underscores the significant growth potential while highlighting the need for enhanced literacy and education initiatives.

“The Islamic ecosystem has become the Company’s business focus,” Anggoro explained. “The Islamic ecosystem, encompassing halal food and beverages, fashion, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as well as halal tourism, holds enormous business potential that can be utilized for the benefit of the community.”

Expo as Economic Catalyst: Showcasing Indonesia’s Halal Diversity

The BSI International Expo 2025 demonstrates Indonesia’s halal industry breadth through its impressive scale and diversity. The exhibition features:

• 330 premium booth tenants showcasing various halal products and services
• 50 hajj and umrah travel agencies serving Indonesia’s significant pilgrim market
• Food and beverage vendors highlighting halal culinary innovations
• Muslim fashion brands representing Indonesia’s growing modest fashion sector
• Umrah travel services catering to religious tourism
• Automotive and property sectors with halal-compliant offerings
• Educational institutions promoting Islamic education and training

This comprehensive representation across 25 different categories illustrates the integrated nature of Indonesia’s halal economy vision, extending far beyond traditional food and beverage sectors.

Strategic Positioning for Golden Indonesia 2045

The expo serves multiple strategic purposes aligned with Indonesia’s long-term national development goals. As outlined in the National Long-Term Development Roadmap, the Islamic financial industry’s advancement plays a pivotal role in realizing Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045.

This vision encompasses:

Economic Diversification

Moving beyond traditional commodity-based exports toward value-added halal products and services that can compete in global markets.

Financial Inclusion

Expanding Islamic banking and financial services to serve Indonesia’s large Muslim population while attracting international Islamic finance flows.

Cultural Preservation

Maintaining Islamic values and practices while pursuing economic modernization and global integration.

Innovation Leadership

Positioning Indonesia as a center for halal innovation, from fintech solutions to halal food technology and modest fashion design.

Overcoming Market Penetration Challenges

The acknowledgment that Islamic banking market share remains at 8% despite Indonesia’s Muslim majority population highlights the work required to achieve industry leadership goals. Several factors contribute to this gap:

Consumer Education Needs

Many consumers, despite religious affiliation, may not fully understand the benefits and availability of Islamic financial products and services.

Product Innovation Requirements

Developing Islamic financial products that meet diverse consumer needs while maintaining compliance with Islamic principles.

Infrastructure Development

Building comprehensive Islamic banking infrastructure that can compete effectively with conventional banking systems.

Regulatory Optimization

Ensuring regulatory frameworks support Islamic finance growth while maintaining stability and consumer protection.

The Path Forward: From Aspiration to Achievement

Indonesia’s journey toward global halal industry leadership requires sustained commitment across multiple dimensions. The BSI International Expo 2025 represents a significant milestone in this journey, but achieving the ambitious goals outlined requires:

Ecosystem Integration: Continuing to build connections between different sectors of the halal economy, from finance and food to fashion and tourism.

International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with other Islamic economy leaders to harmonize standards and expand market access.

Innovation Investment: Supporting research and development in halal technologies, processes, and business models.

Education and Awareness: Expanding halal literacy among both businesses and consumers to unlock domestic market potential.

Regulatory Excellence: Developing world-class halal certification and regulatory frameworks that can serve as global standards.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Islamic Economic Awakening

The BSI International Expo 2025 symbolizes more than an industry showcase—it represents Indonesia’s strategic commitment to transforming its natural advantages in the Islamic economy into global leadership. With over 80% consumer awareness of halal products, the world’s largest Muslim population, and growing financial infrastructure through institutions like BSI, Indonesia possesses the fundamental building blocks for success.

However, the journey from third place to first position in global halal industry rankings will require sustained effort, strategic innovation, and continued collaboration among all ecosystem participants. The expo serves as both a celebration of current achievements and a launching pad for the ambitious goals that lie ahead.

As Indonesia pursues its Golden Vision 2045, the development of a comprehensive, sustainable, and globally competitive halal economy stands as both an economic imperative and a reflection of the nation’s cultural values. The success of this vision will depend on the ability to transform potential into performance, aspiration into achievement, and domestic strength into international leadership.

Original article:

cnbcindonesia.com. (n.d.).BSI Gelar Pameran Industri Halal, Danantara Ungkap Potensi Besar RI. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/market/20250626192044-17-644318/bsi-gelar-pameran-industri-halal-danantara-ungkap-potensi-besar-ri