"In Islamic teachings, we are taught and ordered to consume halal products. This command is contained in surah al-Baqarah verses 168 and 172," he said at the 2022 MUI International Halal Congress in Bangka Belitung, according to a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He said that halal products have begun to become a standard of living for the Indonesian Muslim community, and have even been adopted by non-Muslim communities.
Moreover, the government has declared its goal of making Indonesia the center of the world's halal production by 2024.
Thus, continuous innovation is needed for providing and meeting the demand for halal products and services.
According to him, this can be done by tapping into the potential of halal recreation. This would cater to consumers who require friendly tourist places for Muslims.
"In addition, we are also required to fulfill (the demand for) Muslim wear that is simple but still stylish and fashionable. Therefore, in this field, we need superior and global designers," Syuhud said.
A number of regulations set by the government have been able to push up Muslim demand for halal products, he added.
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In addition to existing regulations, the establishment of several agencies and institutions that concentrate on the halal sector has made halal products a part of people’s lifestyles.
"MUI has issued fatwas related to sharia finance, established a halal audit body, and an advocacy assistance agency in the halal sector," Syuhud noted.
Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population worldwide, should become a major player in the global halal industry rather than merely a target market for the industry, according to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker, Bambang Soesatyo.
"Moreover, last January, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin initiated the Global Halal Hub ecosystem as part of the national synergy movement to make Indonesia a global halal producer hub in 2024," he noted earlier.
According to the Speaker, the State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2020–2021 revealed that global consumption of halal products is expected to increase from US$1.17 trillion in 2019 to US$1.38 trillion by 2024.
The report also highlighted that the consumption of Islamic fashion globally is expected to rise from US$277 billion to US$311 billion, he pointed out.
"The increase not only occurs in Muslim-majority countries, such as those in the Middle East but also in countries not dominated by Muslims, such as those in Europe. Non-Muslim consumers are convinced that the halal label in products not only has religious significance but also proves the products' cleanliness and safety," the Speaker said.
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Translator: Asep F, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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