Jakarta: Indonesia is seeking to strengthen its halal value chains to increase the halal industry's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan said. Haikal emphasized that about 27% of Indonesia's GDP was linked to activities in halal value chains in the third quarter of 2025, underscoring their role in the national economy.

According to Emirates News Agency, Haikal stated, "This shows that halal is not only about certification, but also makes a significant contribution to the national economy." He elaborated that the halal industry should no longer be viewed mainly as a matter of certification or Muslim consumer needs, but as part of economic activity spanning production, trade, and investment.

Haikal pointed out that halal should not only be understood as food and beverages, which is only a small part of the industry. He highlighted the many other halal opportunities and potentials that can be developed. He further stressed that strengthening the halal industry should go beyond increasing the number of halal-certified products and include aspects such as production capacity, trade, investment, job creation, and product competitiveness.

Growing global demand for halal-compliant products and services offers an opportunity for Indonesia, which has a large domestic market, diverse resources, and a growing number of businesses. Haikal asserted, "Indonesia must not only become a market. We must become producers. We must use our potential to build industries, create jobs, increase trade, and drive economic growth."