"Muslim spending on sharia products, such as food and beverages, halal fashion, halal cosmetics, and others, is very promising, with an estimated value of US$3.1 trillion in 2027," Widyawati remarked on Wednesday (October 2).
In a live broadcast on YouTube titled "Acceleration Towards Golden Indonesia 2024 with MEKSI," she stated that the government is optimizing the potential of the sharia economy through the preparation of the Indonesian Sharia Economic Masterplan (MEKSI) 2025-2029.
According to Widyawati, the development of the sharia economy is important as a new economic engine to realize an average national economic growth of six to seven percent to become a developed country.
To achieve the target, she underscored the need for Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim country, to become a producer and not just a consumer.
She remarked that the largest exporters of halal products currently are countries with no Muslim majority such as Brazil, China, and India.
"In the future, we must become producers and be able to export," Widyawati stressed.
Related news: Indonesia aiming to be global halal production hub: VP
In addition to preparing for the 2025-2029 MEKSI, she highlighted that the government is developing the sharia economy as stipulated in Law Number 59 of 2024 on the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) for 2025-2045 on September 13.
In the RPJPN document, the development of the sharia economy is a separate priority program to accelerate the progress of the sector, including through downstreaming of the halal industry and strengthening MSMEs to boost export value, she stated.
Widyawati noted that program development to boost Muslim tourist numbers by improving Muslim-friendly tourism facilities and infrastructure is also considered important.
"We also have a fashion sector. This line must be supported because we believe fashion can contribute a lot," she remarked.
Related news: Mutual recognition of halal product assurance necessary: VP
Translator: Uyu Septiyati L, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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