Indonesia and Croatia Strengthen Ties to Promote Peace and Halal Industry Growth

The evolving partnership between Indonesia and Croatia reflects a growing commitment to diplomacy, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. This bond was highlighted during the landmark visit of Sheikh Dr. Aziz E. Hasanovic, the Grand Mufti of Croatia, to UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on November 19, 2024. His lecture on “The Role of Islam in Building Peace in Europe: A Croatian Perspective” offered valuable insights into Croatia’s interfaith efforts and opened doors for collaboration with Indonesia in areas like education, economic development, and the growing halal industry.

This visit, attended by ambassadors, academics, and policymakers, underscores the potential of cultural diplomacy and economic cooperation between two nations with shared values of peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development. The Indonesia-Croatia partnership is setting a benchmark for international collaboration by focusing on interfaith harmony and the halal economy.

Interfaith Dialogue

Sheikh Hasanovic’s visit to Indonesia symbolized the mutual respect and shared commitment between the two nations to foster global peace and interfaith understanding. His lecture at UIN Jakarta resonated with audiences, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in addressing global challenges like extremism, social inequality, and religious intolerance.

Croatia is among the first European nations to officially recognize Islam as a religion, dating back to 1916. Over the years, the Islamic Community of Croatia, led by Sheikh Hasanovic, has worked to ensure the rights of Muslims while fostering harmonious relationships with other religious groups. Croatia’s inclusive policies reflect its dedication to peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

Sheikh Hasanovic emphasized that Croatia’s history of inclusivity offers lessons for Europe and beyond. “Croatia’s recognition of Islam as an integral part of its cultural identity has fostered mutual respect among communities,” he stated. “We believe interfaith dialogue is essential for global peace.”

Indonesia, home to one of the most diverse populations in the world, is widely regarded as a model for peaceful coexistence. Its efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance have earned global recognition. Ambassador Suwartini Wirta, Indonesia’s envoy to Croatia, noted, “Indonesia’s inclusive approach to fostering harmony among communities is an inspiration not only for Croatia but for the entire world.”

Through programs that promote religious pluralism, Indonesia has demonstrated how cultural diversity can serve as a unifying strength. Croatia’s engagement with Indonesia allows the exchange of ideas and strategies for managing diversity while addressing shared global challenges.

The Halal Industry

One of the most exciting aspects of the Indonesia-Croatia partnership is the potential for collaboration in the halal industry. This global market, driven by the increasing demand for halal products, represents a key area of mutual interest for both nations.

As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia has established itself as a leader in the halal economy. Its rigorous halal certification system, overseen by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), ensures that products meet the highest standards of Sharia compliance. Indonesia’s halal exports span food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, catering to a global market that values quality and authenticity.

Indonesia’s success in the halal sector offers Croatia a valuable opportunity to learn and adapt best practices. Croatia can build a robust halal certification framework that aligns with global standards by collaborating with Indonesia.

With its geographic location bridging Eastern and Western Europe, Croatia is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for halal products. The increasing demand for halal goods among Europe’s Muslim population, projected to reach 44 million by 2030, makes Croatia an attractive partner for Indonesia.

Ambassador Wirta highlighted this potential: “Croatia sees Indonesia as a key partner in advancing halal certification and expanding the market for halal products across Europe. This collaboration not only benefits our economies but also strengthens cultural ties.”

Joint Ventures

The halal industry collaboration between Indonesia and Croatia extends beyond certification. Potential initiatives include:

• Halal Tourism: Croatia can take inspiration from Indonesia’s success in developing Muslim-friendly travel experiences, and creating customized packages for Muslim tourists.
• Halal Production: Joint ventures between Indonesian and Croatian companies can focus on producing halal-certified food, beverages, and cosmetics for European markets.
• Technology in Halal Supply Chains: Leveraging technology to ensure traceability and compliance in halal production can be a shared focus area.

Education and cultural exchange form the backbone of Indonesia and Croatia’s growing relationship. Both nations recognize the importance of fostering mutual understanding through academic collaboration and people-to-people connections.

The event at UIN Jakarta laid the groundwork for potential academic collaborations. Vice-Rector Prof. Din Wahid emphasized the role of education in strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “Academic partnerships can serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation between Indonesia and Croatia.”

Opportunities for collaboration include:

• Student Exchange Programs: Encouraging Indonesian and Croatian students to study abroad, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
• Joint Research: Conducting studies on interfaith harmony, sustainable development, and halal industry growth.
• Cultural Studies: Promoting the study of Croatian culture in Indonesia and Indonesian culture in Croatia to deepen mutual respect.

Cultural diplomacy remains a cornerstone of the Indonesia-Croatia partnership. Events like the Grand Mufti’s visit provide a platform for dialogue and exchange, strengthening ties between communities. H.E. Nebojša Koharović, Croatia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, described the event as a step toward building bridges between the two nations.

Economic Opportunities

While the halal industry is a significant focus, Indonesia and Croatia are also exploring broader economic opportunities. Both nations recognize the importance of diversifying their economies and leveraging each other’s strengths.

Sustainable Tourism

Croatia’s natural beauty and historical landmarks make it a popular tourist destination, while Indonesia’s expertise in halal tourism provides valuable insights. By collaborating, the two nations can create travel packages that cater to Muslim tourists, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

Technology-Driven Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital sector for both countries. Joint initiatives can focus on introducing smart farming techniques, enhancing crop yields, and ensuring that agricultural products meet halal standards.

Renewable Energy

Both nations are investing in renewable energy solutions to combat climate change. Indonesia’s geothermal and solar energy initiatives, combined with Croatia’s advancements in wind energy, offer opportunities for collaboration in green technology.

Sheikh Hasanovic: A Symbol of Unity

As one of Europe’s most respected Islamic leaders, Sheikh Hasanovic’s visit to Indonesia symbolized the deepening relationship between the two nations. His efforts to empower Croatia’s Muslim community and promote interfaith harmony have positioned him as a key figure in advancing inclusivity.

During his lecture, the Grand Mufti highlighted the lessons Croatia could learn from Indonesia’s experience in managing diversity. “Indonesia’s inclusive policies and community-driven initiatives offer a roadmap for fostering harmony and addressing shared challenges,” he stated.

Sheikh Hasanovic also emphasized the potential for Indonesia and Croatia to set a global example. “Together, we can demonstrate how diverse nations can collaborate to achieve shared goals of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect,” he concluded.

While the Indonesia-Croatia partnership shows great promise, it is not without challenges. Addressing these issues will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of their collaboration:

• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring consistent halal certification standards to facilitate trade.
• Infrastructure Development: Building facilities to support halal production and distribution.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing economic collaboration with respect for cultural and religious differences.

By addressing these challenges proactively, Indonesia and Croatia can create a model for international cooperation.

The partnership between Indonesia and Croatia is more than a diplomatic milestone—it is a testament to the power of shared values and mutual respect. By focusing on peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and economic development, the two nations are creating a framework for sustainable collaboration.

As the halal industry continues to grow, the collaboration between Indonesia and Croatia has the potential to drive economic growth while promoting cultural understanding. The emphasis on education and interfaith dialogue further strengthens their bond, making this partnership a model for others to follow.

A Partnership Built on Shared Goals

The growing relationship between Indonesia and Croatia exemplifies how diplomacy, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration can unite nations. From promoting interfaith harmony to developing the halal industry, the two countries are working together to create a future defined by peace, prosperity, and inclusivity.

As Sheikh Hasanovic remarked, “The partnership between Indonesia and Croatia is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that diverse nations can achieve great things through collaboration and mutual respect.” This evolving relationship not only benefits both countries but also sets a global standard for meaningful and sustainable international partnerships.