Daftar Sbmptn – The Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Wamenlu) emphasized that Indonesia’s economic potential in the Islamic world remains enormous and has not been optimally tapped. This statement was made at an international forum discussing strengthening economic cooperation between countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to him, Indonesia has significant capacity to become a major player in the halal industry, trade, and investment sectors in the region.
In his presentation, the Deputy Minister explained that the Islamic world encompasses more than 1.8 billion people spread across various continents, making it a strategic market with growing purchasing power. Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is considered to have a strong bargaining position to strengthen its economic ties. He emphasized that this opportunity stems not only from its market size but also from the Islamic world’s growing demand for halal products, environmentally friendly technology, and digital-based economic solutions.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister highlighted that Indonesia has long been an important partner for Muslim countries, both in trade, investment, and development cooperation. However, this cooperation is considered to have significant potential for expansion. He stated that the trade value between Indonesia and the OIC countries remains below its maximum potential. Yet, sectors such as halal food products, halal cosmetics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and sharia tourism represent very promising markets.
In the forum, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also revealed several strategies the government is preparing to optimize this opportunity. One of these is strengthening the national halal industry ecosystem through collaboration between ministries, institutions, and business actors. The government wants to ensure that Indonesia is not only a consumer, but also a major producer and exporter of halal products globally. He emphasized the importance of internationally standardized halal certification to ensure Indonesian products are competitive in the global market.
Beyond the halal sector, Indonesia also has ample opportunities in the digital economy. Muslim countries are currently undergoing a major transformation towards a more modern, technology-based economy. In this context, Indonesia has strong capital with the rapid growth of the startup, e-commerce, and fintech sectors. The Deputy Minister stated that many Muslim countries in the Middle East and South Asia are currently interested in collaborating with Indonesia in the field of digital technology, particularly those focused on sharia financial services.
Furthermore, investment opportunities are also seen as significant. According to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, investors from Middle Eastern and Asian countries continue to focus on strategic projects in Indonesia, such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and green industry. Indonesia is considered to have good economic stability and attractive long-term growth prospects. On this occasion, the Indonesian government also invited Muslim investors to participate in the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), which is now a national priority agenda.
However, the Deputy Minister also emphasized that maximizing economic opportunities in the Islamic world requires a comprehensive approach. The government must strengthen economic diplomacy, increase trade connectivity, and improve regulations to make them more investment-friendly. He believes that Indonesia’s economic diplomacy must be more actively present in OIC countries, including through trade exhibitions, trade missions, and business forums.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and religious ties as a foundation for economic cooperation. He stated that Indonesia’s close relationship with the Islamic world is not only political but also forged through a long history of cultural interaction, education, and da’wah (Islamic outreach). Therefore, strengthening people-to-people ties is considered to pave the way for more sustainable economic cooperation.
A number of Indonesian business players also attended the forum, ranging from halal food and beverage entrepreneurs to technology companies. They took the opportunity to forge partnerships with partners from various countries. Many forum participants appreciated Indonesia’s initiative to enhance its role in the Islamic world, particularly through the development of the halal industry.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs added that the government is also expanding its network of partnerships with Gulf countries, which are currently diversifying their economies. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain offer significant opportunities for Indonesian products and services. Through investment, education, and technology transfer, Indonesia is considered capable of playing a larger role in the halal and sharia-based global economy.
He reiterated that Indonesia is at the right moment to expand its economic reach. With the support of active diplomacy, strengthening the domestic industry, and closer international collaboration, Indonesia is believed to be capable of becoming a global center for the halal economy. The Deputy Minister invited all parties, from industry players to academics, to get involved in developing this enormous potential.
In closing his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the Islamic world needs partners who can offer stability, innovation, and quality. Indonesia, he believes, possesses all of these qualities. With the right strategy, Indonesia can lead the global Islamic economic landscape and become a new force in international trade. The government is committed to continuously strengthening national capacity to meet the needs of the rapidly growing global market, particularly in the Islamic world.
With its untapped potential, Indonesia’s economic opportunities in the Islamic world remain immense. Challenges remain, but with clear policy direction and strong collaboration, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to become a center of growth for the halal and Islamic economy in the future.