RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is intensifying efforts to strengthen its position in the global halal economy by expanding international cooperation.

One step is a partnership with Yemen in halal product assurance to broaden market access, boost trust in national products, and enhance halal trade between the two countries.

This commitment was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and the Ambassador of Yemen to Indonesia at the BPJPH Office on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

“This partnership is a strategic step to increase recognition and trust in each country’s halal system, while opening wider trade opportunities for Indonesian and Yemeni halal products,” BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said in Jakarta on Friday, July 31, as quoted by Antara.

Haikal described the collaboration as crucial momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s halal trade with Middle Eastern countries. He emphasized that Indonesia must play a larger role as a global halal producer, not merely as a market for products from other countries.

“Through this signing, we can show that more Indonesian halal products can reach Middle Eastern markets. Indonesia has great potential to become a globally competitive halal producer,” he said.

Strengthening international cooperation in the halal sector is part of Indonesia’s strategy to build global market confidence in national products. As demand for halal goods rises worldwide, certification is increasingly recognized not only as meeting Muslim needs but also as a universal quality standard.

“Halal must be the benchmark and highest standard for food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics,” Haikal said.

Meanwhile, Yemeni Ambassador to Indonesia Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfakeeh said the MoU carries strategic and historical significance for bilateral relations.

“This reflects the shared determination of both countries to elevate relations toward broader horizons of cooperation and partnership. It also reflects the strong brotherly ties between Yemen and Indonesia,” he said.

Balfakeeh added that the collaboration will benefit businesses in both countries by simplifying halal certification, increasing market confidence, and facilitating halal trade flows. “We believe this MoU will help simplify certification processes while easing the entry of Yemeni products into the Indonesian market,” he said. ***