REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Export of Indonesian halal food has increased. The destination countries vary from Muslim to non-Muslim countries such as Japan, China, and Singapore. According to Trade Ministry data, halal Indonesian food exports to Japan was up 25 percent, to China and Singapore 23 percent higher.

"Consuming halal food is not only related to religion but also for its safety and health guarantees for all consumers," said Krisnamukti at an international workshop on halal products in Jakarta on Monday.

He says 1.5 billion Muslims of the world population is a huge market for Indonesia halal food, the more so if their purchasing power will increase over time. Indonesia has a big potential to export various food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products with halal certification.

"The halal guarantees of safety and health will attract both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. Halal products are for all regard," he said.

But Krisnamukti admitted that Indonesia needed to improve its halal certification technology for mass produced goods. "The challenge of technology for halal products is getting higher and harder," he said.

He cited the high demand of cattle products due to the change in life style and better economy. 

"Sometimes we have to import only a part of the cattle, for example the ribs, but we need halal certification on all parts," said Krisnamukti.

Indonesia as the largest Muslim country in the world should have used halal as a parameter in trade. "Because we have to make sure that the products are good not only for Muslims, but also for all. The potential halal product market is even beyond Muslim world.” 

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