VP Ma’ruf Amin: Development of Solid Ecosystem for Halal Product Industry Needs Strengthening in Several Areas

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin virtually delivers a key speech at Halal Dining Asean Forum of 2021 from Jakarta, Wednesday (12/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Vice Presidential Secretariat)

In a bid to develop a solid and sustainable ecosystem for halal product industry,  strengthening efforts need to be carried out in several areas including branding, literacy, human resources, research and innovation, technology infrastructure, and regulations, ​Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has said.

“All of them must be synergized to create a halal supply chain, from raw materials to halal products to consumers,” the Vice President said virtually in his key speech at Halal Dining Asean Forum of 2021 from Jakarta, Wednesday (12/15).

The Vice President expressed hope that the discussion, which was attended by relevant experts, can further deepen information in order to optimize the development of halal food industry in the country.

He also expressed his optimism that Indonesian cuisine which is rich in spices is also a factor that will help the country to achieve its vision to become the world’s largest halal producer by 2024.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the people are used to implementing health protocols and becoming more selective in making food choices. Food that is healthy, clean, and hygienic is preferred. “The development of halal food ecosystem also needs to pay attention to changes in consumer behavior,” he said.

In addition, the Vice President revealed that technology also influences people’s food choices. Food that is accessible online is preferred due to ease in food ordering, payment, and delivery. “Digitalization has succeeded in making on-demand applications that increasingly pamper the people,” he said.

Therefore, digital access and competency development for business players must be supported to help expand their trading network.

The Vice President also underscored that synergy and collaboration between stakeholders in developing a sustainable ecosystem for the halal food industry must continue to be carried out. (BPMI of Vice Presidential Secretariat/AIT)(FI/MMB)