Govt Claims Malaysia as Indonesia's Main Target, Main Rival of Halal Product Exports

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Director General of National Export Development at the Trade Ministry Didi Sumedi revealed that Malaysia is not only Indonesia's main export target but also its main rival concerning halal products.

"Malaysia is one of our biggest halal export destinations, from fashion, food and beverages, as well as cosmetics and pharmacy," Didi said when met after a media briefing on Tuesday, Dec.19. 

According to Didi, this was caused by the Muslim-majority's awareness of halal products. "The basis of why Malaysia is our main target is because they strive to use halal products," he added.

In practice, exporting halal goods to Malaysia is quite easy, especially for food and beverages. "They believe in Indonesian [halal] product quality. No question asked," he said.

However, Malaysia is admittedly also Indonesia's main rival concerning halal products, Didi said. He also reported other countries rivaling Indonesia in terms of halal products. 

"Saudi Arabia and even China, which was quite admirable that [China's] halal products could penetrate OIC member states' [markets]," Didi remarked.

The Trade Ministry recorded that halal exports in Indonesia throughout 2023 until October reached US$42.3 billion while the halal imports reached US$11.1 billion.

DEFARA DHANYA PARAMITHA