Indonesia’s Halal Fashion Expands Globally

Indonesia’s Halal Fashion industry is setting the stage for global recognition through the Indonesia Global Halal Fashion (IGHF) Roadshow. With a mission to merge cultural heritage, innovative technology, and strict halal compliance, the initiative highlights Indonesia’s potential to lead the global halal industry, estimated to surpass $2 trillion by 2026. This ambitious program showcases Indonesia’s rich textile traditions and advanced halal standards on some of the world’s most prestigious platforms.

The IGHF Roadshow, organized by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH), combines efforts from key players in fashion, government, and private organizations. Its goal is to position Indonesia’s halal fashion as a global leader, leveraging cultural diplomacy and economic strategy to enhance its international presence.

A Unified Mission

The IGHF Roadshow is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders:

• BPJPH: Oversees Indonesia’s halal certification and regulation.
• KainHalal: A pioneer in halal-certified textiles, led by Fitriani Kuroda.
• Poppy Dharsono: President of Indonesia Fashion Week and Chair of the Indonesian Designers Association, with over three decades of experience promoting Indonesian fashion.

“This roadshow is more than just a showcase,” said Aqil, a representative of the IGHF initiative. “It’s a movement to integrate Indonesia’s cultural richness with its leadership in halal standards, creating a unique global identity for our fashion.”

The IGHF Roadshow

The IGHF Roadshow will visit five countries, strategically chosen to maximize impact. Each destination offers an opportunity to present Indonesia’s unique fashion and establish connections with international buyers, influencers, and policymakers.

1. Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), Malaysia

• Dates: August 5–6, 2024
• As a leader in the global halal economy, Malaysia provides a receptive audience for Indonesia’s halal fashion. The IFF serves as an ideal platform to kickstart the roadshow, showcasing traditional Indonesian textiles to an appreciative regional market.

2. House of iKons Fashion Week, London

• Dates: September 13–14, 2024
• Held at the prestigious Leonardo Royal Hotel, this event places Indonesia on the European fashion map. Indonesian designers will not only participate in runway shows but also host exhibitions to engage directly with European buyers.

3. Milan City Fashion Week, Italy

• Dates: September 18–19, 2024
• Milan, a global hub for luxury fashion, offers a valuable opportunity to connect with high-end brands and expand the market for halal-certified garments. The event will be held at the historic Chiostry in Barnaba.

4. Paris Fashion Week, France

• Dates: September 27–28, 2024
• Staged at the iconic Westin Vendôme Hotel, this leg of the roadshow reinforces Indonesia’s ambition to influence high-fashion markets. Paris, known as the global fashion capital, provides unparalleled exposure for Indonesian designers.

5. World Halal Expo, Istanbul, Turkey

• Dates: November 2024
• The finale emphasizes Indonesia’s broader leadership in the halal industry. As the halal economy grows in Turkey, the World Halal Expo provides a platform to discuss global trends and establish Indonesia’s presence in this dynamic market.

Indonesia’s Fashion Industry

Indonesia’s halal certification system, regulated under the Halal Product Assurance Act (Law No. 33 of 2014), is a cornerstone of its halal fashion industry. This mandatory regulation ensures that:

• All materials and production processes adhere to halal principles.
• Products are traceable throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods.
• Certified products meet the ethical and religious expectations of Muslim consumers.

“Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification is not just about compliance—it’s a mark of quality and authenticity that sets our products apart in the global market,” Aqil explained.

Indonesia’s halal ecosystem is a model of integration, bringing together regulatory bodies, private companies, and research institutions to drive innovation and compliance. Key components of this ecosystem include:

1. BPJPH: Oversees the halal certification process, ensuring consistency and transparency.
2. Halal Inspection Bodies (LPH): Conduct inspections and verify compliance.
3. LPPOM MUI: Offers advanced laboratory testing for a wide range of halal-certified products.

This collaborative ecosystem supports Indonesia’s vision of becoming the largest halal product producer in the world. “Our comprehensive approach strengthens Indonesia’s position as a leader in halal production and innovation,” said Aqil.

Indonesia’s commitment to halal compliance is reinforced by cutting-edge testing facilities at the LPPOM MUI Halal Laboratory, which is accredited by ISO/IEC 17025:2017. These facilities provide comprehensive testing for various materials, ensuring that all products meet halal standards.

Innovative Testing

• Molecular Testing: DNA analysis using PCR techniques to detect non-halal contaminants in textiles and leather.
• Microscopic Testing: Examination of leather and fibers under microscopes to verify the origin and authenticity of materials.

The laboratory’s capabilities extend beyond textiles to include:

1. Leather Goods: Bags, belts, shoes, and wallets.
2. Food and Cosmetics: Ensuring compliance across diverse product categories.
3. Vegan Certification: Testing products for vegan claims alongside halal certification.

These rigorous testing standards ensure that Indonesia’s halal fashion meets international expectations, enhancing consumer trust and market competitiveness.

The IGHF Roadshow celebrates Indonesia’s cultural heritage by integrating traditional textiles into modern fashion. Iconic materials like batik, songket, and handwoven fabrics are central to the collections, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and artistry.

“Indonesian textiles are more than just fabrics—they are a narrative of our culture and history,” said Aqil. “By combining these traditions with innovative designs, we’re creating a unique identity for Indonesian fashion.”

The global expansion of Indonesia’s halal fashion has far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and society.

The IGHF Roadshow is expected to boost exports and attract foreign investment, solidifying Indonesia’s position in the $2 trillion global halal economy.

The initiative supports thousands of artisans, designers, and manufacturers across Indonesia, providing sustainable livelihoods and promoting local industries.

Many of Indonesia’s textile artisans are women, making the halal fashion sector a key driver of gender equality and empowerment.

Challenges

While the IGHF Roadshow represents a significant milestone, challenges remain:

• Market Penetration: Competing in established markets like Europe requires strategic marketing and partnerships.
• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring consistency in halal certification standards across different countries is essential for seamless trade.
• Sustainability: Balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility is critical, particularly in textile production.

By addressing these challenges, Indonesia can maximize the benefits of its global expansion.

Technology is revolutionizing Indonesia’s halal fashion industry, enabling greater transparency and efficiency. Key advancements include:

1. Blockchain-Based Traceability: Ensures that all stages of production comply with halal standards.
2. Digital Supply Chain Management: Streamlines processes and enhances operational efficiency.

These innovations not only improve compliance but also enhance consumer confidence in halal-certified products.

President Joko Widodo has set a bold vision for Indonesia: becoming the largest producer of halal products and a global fashion hub. The IGHF Roadshow is a key step toward realizing this vision, combining cultural diplomacy, economic strategy, and technological innovation.

Aqil summarized the mission: “Through collaboration and creativity, Indonesia is poised to lead the global halal economy, setting an example for the world.”

The Indonesia Global Halal Fashion (IGHF) Roadshow is more than just a series of events—it’s a movement that positions Indonesia’s halal fashion as a global leader. By showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage, innovation, and compliance with halal standards, the initiative highlights Indonesia’s potential to influence the global fashion industry.

As the IGHF Roadshow travels across Malaysia, Europe, and Turkey, it serves as a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to excellence. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and economic growth, Indonesia’s halal fashion is set to leave a lasting impact on the global stage.