Halal Tourism Development Book Launched, Reinforces Indonesia's Global Position

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The book Halal Tourism Development: A Guide for Business Operators and Government or "Pengembangan Wisata Halal" was officially launched on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Jakarta by the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center. The launch comes amid Indonesia's positive momentum, as the country currently ranks second in the world in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), positioning this book as a follow up guide for business operators and the government to strengthen that achievement.

Chairman of the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center, Prof. Sapta Nirwandar, explained that the book grew out of an effort to translate academic research into a practical guide. He emphasized that halal tourism is not only about the availability of halal food, but also involves extended services such as prayer facilities, cleanliness, and comfort that allow Muslim travelers to travel with peace of mind, without requiring a destination to completely change its character.

Sapta Nirwandar added that in Islam, travel is considered a form of worship that draws one closer to faith, as well as a means of education and a source of added value in life, meaning its development should be carried out while preserving that essence. "Tourism is worship, it draws us closer to faith. When we look at the beauty of nature, it adds to our faith and value for life for travelers," Sapta said.

The book "Pengembangan Wisata Halal" maps out halal tourism service needs into three levels, namely need to have, good to have, and nice to have, serving as a practical guide for business operators in prioritizing service investments according to their target tourist segment.

The book also emphasizes an ecosystem approach, in which the development of halal tourism involves synergy among five key elements: academicians, business players, communities, government, and media, so that its economic benefits can be felt sustainably by the wider community, not only by the tourist destination itself.

Special Staff for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation at the Ministry of Tourism, Masruroh, revealed that Indonesia achieved a near perfect score specifically in the service aspect for Muslim travelers in the GMTI assessment, supported by halal certification for more than 31 thousand businesses across various tourist villages, a result of collaboration with the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH).

Masruroh noted that the presence of this book can help align understanding on the ground, particularly in regions unfamiliar with the concept of halal tourism, so that it is not misinterpreted as an effort to change a destination's identity. "This book helps us build awareness, so that there is no difference in perception among the public," she said.

Looking ahead, the authors hope this book will not remain merely an addition to the literature, but will instead serve as a bridge between academics, government, and business operators in formulating policy and building a halal tourism ecosystem that is competitive, inclusive, and sustainable.