"The participation of Indonesian diaspora in Osaka provides support for the government to develop Indonesia to become the world center for trade of halal products," Hasan said.
Minister Hasan made the statement while visiting a bazaar of halal products routinely held every month by Osaka Istiqlal Mosque (MIO) in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday (October 28).
In his statement, Hasan noted that the world is currently witnessing an increase in the consumption halal products, adding that Indonesia should be able to make the most of the trend to realize its vision.
According to the minister, in 2024, the total value of global consumption of halal products is projected to reach US$3.2 trillion. The Indonesian diaspora in Osaka should optimize the opportunities offered by the trend, he added.
The bazaar in MIO showcased halal products made and offered by seven Indonesian diaspora in Japan, including clothing, merchandise, fried onions, crackers, cake, a variety of instant foods, Muslim clothing, and cosmetics.
Furthermore, the mosque has a mini market of halal products offering food, beverages, and other necessities that conform with the standards of Islam. Some of the products displayed in the mini market were imported from Indonesia, while the rest were produced by the Indonesian diaspora in Osaka.
Since mid-2023, the management of MIO has been coordinating with the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Osaka to install a halal vending machine.
"We are providing support and facilitating Indonesian diaspora in Japan, particularly in Osaka, to develop halal food and beverages," Head of ITPC Osaka R. M. Dicky Farabi said.
The Osaka Istiqlal Mosque, with a capacity of 1,500 people, was established on January 12 last year and is the sole mosque in the city.
The establishment of the MIO was meant to accommodate the increasing number of Indonesian Muslim diaspora residing in Osaka and its surroundings.
In Kansai region, encompassing Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and Mie, the number of Indonesian diaspora reaches 5,679, with 70 percent of whom are Muslims.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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