JAKARTA – In a landmark move for the global Islamic economy, Indonesia has officially joined the Global Halal Mark alliance. This strategic initiative, launched by the Saudi Halal Center, aims to unify halal labeling standards worldwide and foster seamless cross-border trade between Muslim-majority nations.
The agreement was formalized during the recent Makkah Halal Forum, where Indonesia and Thailand signed strategic pacts to integrate their national standards with the new global framework.
A Unified Vision for the Halal Industry
Abdulaziz Al-Rushodi, CEO of the Saudi Halal Center, announced that the alliance is gainning rapid momentum. With Indonesia on board, the number of participating nations is expected to reach ten by the end of 2026.
”This initiative seeks to unify Halal labels globally and achieve the highest levels of reliability in the sector,” Al-Rushodi told Al-Eqtisadiah.
The alliance is built upon three transformative pillars:
- The Global Halal Mark: A unified logo and auditing system to ensure Sharia compliance and technical excellence.
- The Halal Academy: Established in collaboration with the Islamic University of Madinah, this institution will serve as a global scientific reference for developing halal expertise.
- The Global Halal Hub: An integrated digital system designed to centralize certification data and simplify customs procedures for halal goods.
The Road to a $10 Trillion Market
The economic stakes are immense. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, highlighted that the global halal market is valued at approximately $7 trillion in 2025 and is on track to hit $10 trillion by 2030.
”The market is expanding rapidly due to accelerating global consumer demand and increased investment across the entire halal value chain,” Khalawi noted.
Global Halal Investment Landscape
Saudi Arabia currently leads the world in halal sector investments, followed closely by Southeast Asian and Gulf neighbors.
| Rank | Country | Investment Value (SAR) | Approx. Value (USD) | Primary Focus |
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 5.5 Billion | $1.46 Billion | Infrastructure & Exports |
| 2 | Malaysia | 4.7 Billion | $1.25 Billion | Global Standards |
| 3 | Kuwait | 4.1 Billion | $1.09 Billion | Food Industry |
| 4 | UAE | 3.7 Billion | $986 Million | Tourism & Consumer Goods |
| 5 | Indonesia | 1.5 Billion | $400 Million | Ecosystem Development |
Empowering Local Producers
For Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, this alliance offers a golden ticket for local manufacturers to enter the Middle Eastern market with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. By adopting a unified mark, Indonesian products—ranging from food to cosmetics—will gain immediate credibility and trust among international consumers.
The Saudi Halal Center, operating under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), will oversee the rigorous auditing process, ensuring that every product bearing the mark adheres to both strict Sharia principles and international technical standards.
As the global halal ecosystem matures, Indonesia’s participation signals its readiness to evolve from a major consumer hub into a dominant exporter in the trillion-dollar “halal-sphere.”