Indonesia Boosts Islamic Economic Cooperation for Halal Investment

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia bolsters economic cooperation with fellow Muslim-majority countries as part of its strategy to position the halal industry as a key driver of investment and international trade. The initiative reflects the government's broader ambition to expand the country's role in the global Islamic economy.

Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Indonesia's Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, said stronger collaboration among member states of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation would help accelerate the growth of the Islamic economy. He said Indonesia is committed to promoting cross-border investment and deeper economic partnerships among D-8 countries.

“This is one of the initial steps to strengthen cooperation among Islamic countries so that the Islamic economy can truly grow across the Muslim world. We will continue enhancing cooperation within the D-8, including by inviting investors to Indonesia and encouraging our investors to expand abroad,” he said.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation brings together Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye to promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic development. Indonesia views the forum as an important platform for expanding halal trade and strengthening partnerships in strategic sectors.

Meanwhile, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan said the halal value chain has become an increasingly important contributor to Indonesia's economy. He noted that stronger international cooperation would help unlock greater opportunities for the country's halal industry.

“In the past nine months, the halal value chain has contributed 27 percent, or nearly Rp5,000 trillion, to the economy. Following today's meeting with D-8, D-9, and other participating countries, we will establish a stronger partnership that goes beyond discussions, including inviting representatives from 70 countries to a larger forum this September,” Haikal said.

According to him, the international gathering scheduled for September is expected to strengthen business networks, investment partnerships, and trade cooperation among participating countries. The event is also expected to reinforce Indonesia's position as a hub for the global halal ecosystem.

The government believes stronger international collaboration will accelerate the growth of the halal industry while attracting more investment and expanding export opportunities for Indonesian halal products. By deepening partnerships with countries across the Islamic world and beyond, Indonesia aims to enhance its competitiveness and play a larger role in the rapidly growing global halal economy.