The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening global halal economic cooperation through the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026, scheduled to take place in Jakarta from April 14 to 18, 2026, coinciding with the 12th Developing Eight (D-8) Summit. According to Ary Aprianto, Director of Social, Cultural, and Strategic Partnerships at the ministry, this expo will serve as a strategic moment for D-8 member countries to build stronger halal economic networks and cement Indonesia’s position as a central hub for the worldwide halal ecosystem. The idea for this collaboration was first launched by Indonesia at the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo in December 2024 and has since been refined with input from various Indonesian government agencies and stakeholders. The event is intended not just as a trade show but as a platform for cross-border collaboration, product promotion, and expanded networking among businesses and policymakers.
In highlighting the global scale of halal industries, Ary pointed out that the halal market’s potential extends beyond food and beverages to include tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sharia finance, logistics, and technology — sectors that are rapidly growing worldwide. Indonesia aims for the expo to generate concrete business partnerships, attract investment, and integrate halal supply chains among D-8 countries, thereby enhancing its influence within the global halal economy. The initiative reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy to elevate its role in shaping international halal trade and economic cooperation.
