Seventy-five students from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta from seven countries enthusiastically participated in an academic visit to the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) headquarters. This activity provided a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of entrepreneurial Leadership and explore halal economic opportunities in the global market.
To broaden their knowledge of Leadership based on Islamic values and understand the dynamics of the global halal economy, 75 students from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, UIN Surakarta, Malikussaleh University Aceh, Khairun University Ternate, UIN Samarinda, IAIN Pontianak, UIN Malang, Trunojoyo University Madura, UIN Semarang, and UIN Jember visited the MUI headquarters on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Students from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Gambia participated in the visit.
The participants were warmly welcomed by the Head of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) for Da’wah and Ukhuwah (Islamic Brotherhood), KH. Cholil Nafis. In this inspiring forum, he explained the MUI’s role in guiding the community and bridging community aspirations. KH. Cholil Nafis also emphasized the importance of visits like this for exchanging ideas, strengthening understanding, and absorbing the aspirations of the younger generation.
“Through this forum, the MUI can explain its ideas to students. Conversely, the MUI also has the opportunity to absorb the aspirations, hopes, and thoughts of the younger generation, including lecturers and students at UIN,” he said.
This activity is expected not only to enrich participants’ academic knowledge but also to strengthen collaboration between religious institutions and the academic world. This synergy is key to developing the halal economy and Leadership based on Islamic values, both nationally and globally.
Representing the management of the Halal Inspection Body (LPH LPPOM), Hendra Utama explained that the global halal economy is experiencing significant growth. Today, the halal sector is no longer limited to food products, but has expanded to encompass fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, media, and even Islamic finance.
With the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia occupies a strategic position as both a producer and a potential consumer in the global halal ecosystem. “The digital era has also presented a new synergy between halal and technology. Various e-commerce platforms now display halal logos to provide clarity and trust to consumers. Blockchain technology is even being used to ensure a transparent and verified halal supply chain from upstream to downstream,” explained Hendra.
He further added that halal certification has become a global trust mark, a symbol of trust and quality that opens businesses’ access to international markets. Furthermore, halal certification increases consumer loyalty among Muslims and non-Muslims, as it reflects high standards of cleanliness and ethics.
Hendra, who also works as a Senior Halal Auditor for the LPH LPPOM, emphasized that building a robust halal ecosystem in the global market requires cross-sector collaboration through a pentahelix approach. This approach involves:
- Academic institutions, such as UIN (State Islamic University) and halal business incubators, which produce superior and innovative human resources.
- The government, through the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), acts as a regulator and policy facilitator.
- The Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), which sets halal standards and fatwas.
- Business and industry players, who are the driving force of the halal economy.
- Communities and students are drivers of the young generation of halal entrepreneurs.
This pentahelix collaboration is expected to strengthen the halal entrepreneurship ecosystem, encourage innovation, and open up competitive business opportunities with positive social impact. Students are expected to leverage their knowledge, technology, and networks to build competitive halal businesses with a positive social impact.
Digital transformation is paving the way for the rise of the halal economy in the global market. With integrity, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become a hub for the global halal ecosystem. Halal certification, authentic branding, and the application of digital technology are key foundations for the journey towards an inclusive and sustainable halal future.
In this regard, LPH LPPOM excels not only for its extensive experience in halal certification but also for its ability to support the younger generation, including students, in understanding and exploring the global halal market. With modern laboratory facilities accredited by the National Accreditation Committee (KAN) under SNI ISO/IEC 17025:2017, LPH LPPOM offers professional, accurate, and scientifically sound testing services.
Furthermore, this laboratory is the first in Indonesia to combine halal and vegan concepts, making it a learning resource and practical reference for students. Here, they can develop halal products, understand international standards, and prepare themselves to compete in the global halal market, a crucial step for young people who aspire to become pioneers in the global halal ecosystem.
Through this facility, LPH LPPOM not only supports the certification process but also provides product testing, training, and technical consulting services, strengthening competitiveness amidst the transformation of the global halal market. (ZUL)
