REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - At least 110 companies participate in Indonesia International Halal Expo (INDHEX) held at the JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Oct. 22-25, according to the Indonesian Ulama Council's (MUI's) Food and Drug Analysis Agency (LPPOM) Chief Lukman Halim.
He remarked here on Wednesday that the expo was organized to bring together halal products' entrepreneurs and buyers. Lukman noted that people's awareness on consuming halal products was increasing, which is apparent by the increase in the number of companies listing their products with the MUI to obtain a halal certification.
This year's INDHEX is themed, "Promoting the Science of Halal with Multi Discipline Approaches."
During the expo, the MUI's LPPOM is also expected to sign an MoU with the state-owned telecommunication company PT Telkom through which the latter will support online payment for companies seeking Halal certification from the MUI.
PT Telkom's cellular service provider Telkomsel will also cooperate with the MUI to provide mobile phone service regarding the Halal concept to its 138 million users.
"Users can access all information about the Halal concept using their mobile phones," Lukman claimed.
The INDHEX is also holding an award ceremony named the Halal Award 2014. The four categories for the Halal Award 2014 are best brand, best innovation and research, best policy which support halal products' development, and a special award.