“The market for halal products in Indonesia is very large, and there is high demand to lead a halal lifestyle in every strata of society, both in Indonesia and around the world,” Sitta remarked on the sidelines of the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum being held in Jakarta on August 2-4.
Sitta said the halal hub will ensure that lifestyle products, including food, clothing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which are imported by and exported from Indonesia, meet the halal criteria.
The halal hub, to be built along with the state-owned seaport management company Pelindo II, will be located in the Tanjung Priok seaport, Jakarta, while the halal zone, which will function to check the products, will be in Rawamangun.
“Hence, when goods, such as meat, which require special handling, arrive at the port, they will be segregated from other goods. Furthermore, they are immediately taken to the halal zone for further checking,” Sitta explained.
Sitta further added that the halal zone can be built in other locations but must meet several stringent criteria, such as the availability of clean water and cold storages.
“We will also conduct trainings for people, who work in a halal zone, to ensure that each product meets the same halal standards,” Sitta explained.
Sitta noted that the operations of Indonesias halal hub would be supported by digital technology to conduct checks, so that the products are made available to consumers in a timely manner.
“This process could shorten the distribution chain of goods, so that products will be received in good condition, which is also one of the requirements of halal,” Sitta affirmed.
The halal zone should be located in proximity to transportation infrastructure and facilities, such as railways.
“For instance, goods arriving in Tangjung Priok will be taken straight to the halal zone and then sent directly to Surabaya by train,” she added.
Although each country has set a different standard for halal inspection, Sitta hoped that the presence of the halal hub will help to make Indonesia a major player in the global halal market.