Source: Antara News

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has positioned the International Islamic Expo (IIE) 2025 as a strategic initiative to reinforce the nation’s standing in the global halal tourism landscape. The event represents a significant opportunity to leverage Indonesia’s unique advantages in the rapidly growing Islamic travel market.

Capitalizing on Indonesia’s Muslim Population Advantage

Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Event Development at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized Indonesia’s natural advantage as the world’s most populous Muslim nation. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, he highlighted the tremendous potential this demographic presents for tourism development and national prosperity.

“Indonesia’s position as home to the world’s largest Muslim population carries profound significance for developing tourism potential that can be optimized for the welfare of our people,” Jemadu stated during the official announcement.

The deputy minister noted that global Muslim population projections indicate nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide by 2030, creating substantial opportunities for cross-border tourism movement, particularly to Indonesia.

Defining Halal Tourism’s Business Perspective

From a commercial standpoint, halal tourism focuses on providing Muslim travelers worldwide with comfortable and secure travel experiences. This specialized tourism segment is increasingly recognized as one of Indonesia’s competitive advantages in the international destination market.

The emphasis on safety and comfort aligns with the growing demands of Muslim travelers seeking destinations that cater to their specific needs and religious requirements. This market segment presents significant untapped potential for Indonesia’s tourism industry.

Addressing Global Competitiveness Rankings

The organization of IIE 2025 serves as part of broader efforts to improve Indonesia’s performance in global Muslim travel competitiveness indices, where the country’s rankings have remained relatively stagnant. The event aims to demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to advancing its position in international halal tourism rankings.

As a central forum within the halal tourism and services ecosystem, IIE 2025 represents Indonesia’s national commitment to supporting the regeneration of the global halal industry while strengthening strategic international networks.

Economic and Investment Impact

Jemadu expressed optimism about the event’s broader economic implications, stating: “The success of International Islamic Expo 2025 demonstrates that this event has successfully provided a comprehensive platform that will drive sharia economic growth, open cross-continental investment access, and reinforce Indonesia’s position as a global halal tourism hub.”

The expo’s comprehensive approach addresses multiple aspects of the halal economy, from tourism services to investment opportunities, creating a holistic platform for industry development.

Event Details and Participation

Operating under the theme “The 15th Islamic Tourism Exchange,” IIE 2025 took place at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) in Senayan from July 11-13, 2025. The event was organized in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) and the Tourism and Creative Economy Office of DKI Jakarta Province.

The exhibition attracted over 1,000 participants from the Muslim tourism industry, including:

• Hajj and Umrah service providers

• Sharia-compliant airlines

• Tour operators

• Halal-certified hotels

• Visa service agencies

Participants represented both domestic and international markets, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, demonstrating the event’s truly global reach.

Strategic Industry Networking

The diverse participation profile highlights IIE 2025’s role as a crucial networking platform for the international halal tourism industry. By bringing together stakeholders from across the globe, the event facilitates business connections, knowledge sharing, and collaborative opportunities that can drive industry growth.

The inclusion of various service segments—from accommodation and transportation to pilgrimage services—creates a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of Muslim travelers’ needs.

Regional and Global Impact

The event’s geographical diversity, spanning multiple continents and regions, underscores Indonesia’s ambition to serve as a central hub for halal tourism development. This positioning aligns with Indonesia’s broader economic strategy of leveraging its cultural and religious heritage for sustainable tourism growth.

The participation of African, Middle Eastern, and Asian stakeholders demonstrates the global nature of the halal tourism market and Indonesia’s role in facilitating international collaboration within this sector.

Future Implications for Indonesian Tourism

IIE 2025’s success signals Indonesia’s commitment to becoming a dominant force in global halal tourism. The event serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Market Development: Creating platforms for industry growth and innovation

• International Positioning: Establishing Indonesia as a halal tourism leader

• Economic Growth: Generating investment opportunities and business partnerships

• Cultural Bridge-Building: Facilitating cross-cultural understanding through tourism

Conclusion

The International Islamic Expo 2025 represents more than just a trade show—it embodies Indonesia’s strategic vision for halal tourism leadership. By leveraging its natural advantages as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation and creating comprehensive platforms for industry development, Indonesia is positioning itself at the forefront of the global halal tourism revolution.

The event’s success in attracting diverse international participation and its focus on comprehensive industry development suggest that Indonesia is well-positioned to capitalize on the projected growth in global Muslim travel. As the industry continues to evolve, events like IIE 2025 will play crucial roles in shaping the future of halal tourism worldwide.

Through strategic initiatives like this expo, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to transforming its demographic advantages into tangible economic benefits while serving the growing needs of Muslim travelers globally.

Original article:

halaltimes.com. (n.d.).IIE 2025 perkuat posisi Indonesia dalam peta wisata halal dunia. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://m.antaranews.com/berita/4982213/iie-2025-perkuat-posisi-indonesia-dalam-peta-wisata-halal-dunia