JAKARTA – The Chairman of the Muslim Friendly Forum (MFF), Zulkarnain Rahmat Sumakno, has emphasized that halal certification represents a strategic initiative to enhance the competitive advantage of business operators in Makassar, as announced on Monday, January 7, 2026.

Pentahelix Collaboration for Halal Economy

This program forms a core component of the Makassar Muslim Friendly Market 2026 Movement, which promotes pentahelix synergy among government entities, business operators, academic institutions, community organizations, and media outlets. The initiative aims to strengthen an inclusive halal economic ecosystem throughout the region.

Indonesia’s Global Halal Market Position

Indonesia ranks among the world’s largest halal markets, with the government establishing halal certification as a national quality standard. This certification extends beyond religious identification to serve as a comprehensive guarantee of safety, hygiene standards, and consumer confidence.

However, current statistics reveal that only approximately 20 percent of products from Indonesia’s 66 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have obtained halal certification. This indicates substantial room for growth, particularly in South Sulawesi and specifically Makassar, which is emerging as a strategic halal economic hub for Eastern Indonesia.

Addressing the Certification Gap

“Halal certification is a government regulation designed to ensure consumer protection while simultaneously driving quality improvements in MSME products. Currently, only about 20 percent of the 66 million MSMEs nationwide have achieved halal certification. This presents a significant opportunity for collective progress toward national targets,” Zulkarnain explained.

Free Certification Program for 2026

He revealed that the government has allocated 1.35 million free halal certification slots for MSMEs across Indonesia in 2026. “This program provides public protection by ensuring halal product availability while enabling MSMEs to become more competitive, reliable, and trusted in both local and national markets. This opportunity is open to all business operators regardless of ethnic or religious background,” he clarified.

Long-Term Tourism Development Strategy

Zulkarnain outlined MFF’s comprehensive long-term strategy for strengthening the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem. “Moving forward, the Muslim Friendly Forum will advocate for the establishment of halal culinary tourism zones at various strategic locations throughout Makassar. This will be integral to strengthening Muslim-friendly tourism through accelerated halal certification, ensuring tourists and residents experience certainty, comfort, and trust when dining in Makassar,” he stated.

According to Zulkarnain, this strategic approach will position Makassar more competitively within Indonesia’s national tourism landscape.

Building an Inclusive Halal Economy

The Makassar Muslim Friendly Market 2026 Movement represents a significant step toward creating a robust, inclusive halal economic framework that benefits all stakeholders. By combining government support, business participation, academic expertise, community engagement, and media collaboration, the initiative seeks to transform Makassar into a leading destination for halal commerce and Muslim-friendly tourism in Eastern Indonesia.

The program’s emphasis on accessibility—offering free certification and welcoming businesses from all backgrounds—demonstrates a commitment to economic inclusivity while maintaining high standards for product quality and consumer protection.

Original Article:

Saudagar News. (2026, January 7). Gerakan Muslim Friendly Forum Market (MFF) 2026 Sertifikasi Halal Perkuat Daya Saing Pelaku Usaha.  Retrieved from https://www.saudagar.news/gerakan-muslim-friendly-forum-market-mff-2026-sertifikasi-halal-perkuat-daya-saing-pelaku-usaha/