Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially opened the 3rd International Conference on Islamic and Halal Economic Studies (ICIHES) 2025 in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (Nov. 4) at the Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. The conference, organized in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kyoto University, and Ritsumeikan University, serves as an international academic forum to strengthen global partnerships in developing Islamic economics and the halal industry.
Professor Wening Udasmoro, Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, represented the Rector of UGM. In her remarks, Professor Udasmoro emphasized that the conference is not merely an academic gathering but also a platform for cultivating cross-national collaboration and for bolstering the values of humanity and sustainability in the halal economy.
“Yogyakarta represents a harmonious blend of culture, knowledge, and community life. This conference offers a meaningful space for dialogue, idea exchange, and the strengthening of international collaboration,” she saiInternational Conference on Islamic and Halal Economic Studiesd.
She underscored that the halal economy is not only a rapidly growing sector worldwide but also a value-based system that integrates innovation, ethics, and social responsibility.
“The principles of the halal economy are not solely about market expansion, but they are also about fostering integrity, governance, and collaboration rooted in humanitarian values,” she added.
Meanwhile, YB. Dato’ Jefridin Haji Atan, Chair of the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Legacy Organization, representing delegations from Malaysia and Japan, expressed his appreciation for UGM’s successful hosting of the conference.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome in Yogyakarta. Its rich culture, the hospitality of its people, and its academic spirit symbolize the deep kinship shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan,” he said.
Dato’ Jefridin also paid tribute to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, a key figure who pioneered the globalization of the halal economy grounded in modern governance and Islamic values.
“His legacy teaches us that the halal economy is not merely about certification, but about building an economy of trust based on justice, responsibility, and human well-being,” he added.
In a written address, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, highlighted the importance of the halal industry as a strategic sector supporting national economic growth.
“The halal industry is one of the main pillars in achieving the national economic growth target of eight percent. As the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia holds significant potential to become a global center for the halal economy,” the governor said.
He further noted that the successful development of the halal economy requires strengthening a holistic ecosystem, encompassing regulation and education, as well as inter-institutional synergy.
“Halal certification is not only a form of consumer protection but also provides added value and enhances the competitiveness of businesses,” he stressed.
On the other hand, Dr. Reni Rosari, Head of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Economics and the Halal Industry at the UGM Graduate School and Chair of the 3rd ICIHES 2025 Committee, stated that ICIHES is held regularly as a platform for knowledge exchange, research networking, and the formulation of strategic recommendations for inclusive and sustainable halal economic development.
“This year’s ICIHES in Yogyakarta marks the third conference and the first to be held in Indonesia, following the first and second events in Malaysia,” she said.
She added that the conference is expected to go beyond academic discourse by serving as part of Islamic civilizational outreach, bringing forth blessings, justice, and public benefit in economic and social development.
“This dual collaboration ensures that discussions on the halal economy are not only normative, but also scientific, strategic, and implementable,” she noted.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Anggito Abimanyu, Chair of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Agency (LPS) and a UGM academic, who presented on “Halal Economy: A Way Forward Towards a More Progressive, Dynamic, and Viable Future.” In his address, Professor Abimanyu emphasized that Indonesia’s strengthening of halal regulations through Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance is a major milestone in transforming the national halal industry.
“Starting in 2026, halal certification will be mandatory for commercial food products. The challenge lies in ensuring efficiency and credibility within the certification system managed by BPJPH,” he explained.
Professor Abimanyu also highlighted the need for cross-country policy harmonization to increase halal trade volume.
“Simplifying halal regulations not only enhances efficiency but also expands international markets. Global collaboration in research and innovation will accelerate the transition toward a more progressive and dynamic halal industry,” the professor affirmed.
He added that the halal economy has now become a universal concept of interest even among non-Muslims because it upholds principles of transparency, safety, and social responsibility.
“Halal is not only about religious compliance but also about products that are healthy, beneficial, and sustainable,” he concluded.
The international conference features keynote speakers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan discussing halal economic governance, digital innovation, and the integration of Islamic values into sustainable development. The 3rd ICIHES 2025 will run until 5 November 2025 and will welcome participants from various countries.
Through this event, UGM reaffirms its commitment as a university actively strengthening international academic collaboration and contributing to the development of an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable halal economy.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi