Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, has only tapped into 13% of the global halal industry. However, the global halal industry potential is estimated at USD 3.3 trillion for 2023, and it is predicted to continue growing each year. This was revealed during a Guest Lecture organized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Untirta in celebration of its 20th anniversary on Monday, June 19, 2023. The Guest Lecture featured Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Nur Azizah, S.H., M.Hum, the Chairperson of the Halal Center and Vice Rector of UNESA. Prof. Azizah also stated that according to the Global Islamic Economy (GIE) Indicator, which measures the strength of the Islamic economy in 73 countries, Indonesia is ranked 5th. Although it has improved from the previous ranking of 10th, Indonesia still lags behind Malaysia, which holds the 1st position, despite Malaysia having a smaller Muslim population. Indonesia is ranked first as a consumer of halal products, rather than as a producer.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Sihabudin, M.Si, the Dean of FISIP Untirta, emphasized the importance of halal certification, including within the university setting. He mentioned the need for certainty regarding the halal status, processes, and ingredients of the food provided in campus canteens for students. During her presentation titled "Roadmap for Sustainable Development: The Halal Industry," Prof. Azizah explained that the concept of halal was not previously a major concern, but it has now become a global issue. According to Azizah, this issue should have emerged in Banten because Banten is known as an Islamic and religious region. She further added that the concept of halal food used to focus on four criteria: no pork, slaughtered with the utterance of bismillah, not carrion, and not blood. However, the concept of halal has evolved due to the presence of various mixed ingredients.
