JAKARTA — The upcoming D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 is set to be much more than a conventional trade show. Positioned as a strategic instrument, it aims to strengthen the national—and international—ecosystem of sharia economics and finance.

Scheduled for April 14-18, 2026, in Jakarta to coincide with the D-8 Summit during Indonesia’s 2026-2027 chairmanship, the event is designed as a sustainable platform for collaboration.

“The D-8 Halal Expo is not merely a ceremonial event that concludes in a few days. It will involve continuous activities until the end of 2027, with the goal of building tangible halal economic collaboration,” stated Putu Rahwidayasa, Director of Sharia Business and Entrepreneurship at the National Committee for Islamic Economics and Finance (KNEKS).

The economic potential is significant. The eight member nations—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey—have a combined GDP of approximately US$5.1 trillion and a population of 1.28 billion. Intra-D-8 trade, currently around US$150 billion, is targeted to reach US$500 billion by 2030.

Indonesian officials stress that the country’s leadership role must be leveraged to solidify its position as a global halal economy leader, particularly by enhancing sharia-compliant trade and financing. The focus is on creating a mutually beneficial global halal value chain.

However, this push for international cooperation comes with a note of caution. Putu emphasized the need to protect the substantial domestic market while empowering national businesses and MSMEs with appropriate sharia financing support.

From a diplomatic perspective, the expo is seen as a key pillar of economic diplomacy. Ary Aprianto, Director of Socio-Cultural Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted its expected role as a catalyst for investment and for expanding the global halal value chain with Indonesian involvement.

For the business sector, the challenge is clear: elevating competitiveness. “Halal is no longer exclusively for Muslims; it has become a global lifestyle. The challenge is ensuring Indonesian halal products can compete on price, quality, and supply continuity,” said Mohammad Bawazier, Chairman of the ICCD and D-8 Permanent Committee of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN).

Ensuring tangible outcomes is a top priority for organizers. CEO of Sky Connection Aryo Wibisono confirmed that the 2026 expo will emphasize measurable business matching, with Indonesian businesses constituting the majority of participants. The key target is not visitor numbers, but real business transactions.

Original Article:

Kontan.co.id. (2026, January 14). Tak Sekadar Pameran, D-8 Halal Expo 2026 Jadi Penggerak Keuangan Syariah.  Retrieved from https://keuangan.kontan.co.id/news/tak-sekadar-pameran-d-8-halal-expo-2026-jadi-penggerak-keuangan-syariah