STEI SEBI Emphasizes Halal Industry on The Latest Economic Forum

Jakarta, 13 Jumadil Akhir 1438/12 March 2017 (MINA) – Depok-based SEBI University College of Islamic Economics organized a National Seminar on “Halal Life Style For Indonesia With Competitive Nature” with comprehensive presentasions by experts and practitioners in the field of Islamic economics and the halal industry as the culmination event of the “Islamic Economic Days II” taking place from 8 to 11 March 2017.

This national seminar was aimed to popularize Islamic economy by developing the thinking of Muslim intellectuals over their views of the halal industry in Indonesia.

Taking the theme “Potentials of Halal Industry to Support the Growth of National Economy”, the event was attended at least by 600 participants consisting of youth, college students, expert, and practitioners,” Ruli, IED II Spokeperson, told Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) in Jakarta recently.

The event aimed at exploring Indonesia’s halal industry potential to improve its national economy. Halal industry is growing rapidly in many countries, both with  majority population and minority such as Japan, Taiwan, China, and Thailand. Halal lifestyle is sought after by Muslim tourists.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy 2014-2015 report by Thomson Reuters, the global expenditure of Muslim consumers on food and lifestyle grew 9.5 percent from the previous year’s estimate to US$2 trillion in 2013 and is expected to reach US$3.7 trillion by 2019.

ASEAN countries, both the Muslim and non-Muslim majorities, have jumped into the bandwagon. While Malaysia and Thailand continue to establish themselves as two of the world’s main halal kitchens, other countries in the region have also started to pull up their sleeves.

Indonesia, however, despite being the world’s most populous Muslim nation with an abundance of certified halal businesses and products, have yet to make any major moves in the pursuit of the global halal market.

Public figures present in the seminar were Indonesian Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartanto, West Nusa Tenggara Governor Muhammad Zainul Majdi, Chairman of ISMI Ing Ilham Akbar Habibie , the Regent of North Lombok Najmul Ahyar, and Chairman National Zakat Board (BAZNAS) Bambang Sudibyo.

IED initially held in March 2016, followed by 195 participants from 20 Universities in Indonesia.(L/RE1/RS5)

MI’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)