Minister Predicts Success for Indonesian Halal in Japan

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has expressed optimism regarding the potential for Indonesian halal products to make their mark in the Japanese market, following a recent strategic visit aimed at strengthening halal product ties between the two nations.

“I have engaged in numerous discussions about possible collaborations between Indonesia and Japan pertaining to the halal industry. Looking forward, I am confident that Indonesian halal products will see significant growth in the Japanese market,” Qoumas remarked on Monday, July 17, 2023.

The Minister’s work visit to Japan, also known as the Land of Sakura, included a delegation featuring the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Muhammad Aqil Irham. During their visit, the Indonesian delegation engaged with local halal authorities and met with the Indonesian ambassador based at the Tokyo Embassy.

Qoumas, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, has formulated a strategic plan to seize opportunities and facilitate the entry of Indonesian halal products into the Japanese market.

“Japan is a popular tourist destination for Indonesians, yet there is a notable lack of readily available halal food options. When halal foods are found, they predominantly represent Malaysian or Pakistani culinary styles,” Qoumas explained. He sees this as a unique opportunity for Indonesian halal cuisine to fill this gap.

The Minister also conducted an on-site assessment of foreign halal institutions in Japan, including the Japan Islamic Trust (JIT) and the Japan Muslim Association (JMA), to evaluate their potential for accreditation.

This accreditation process by the LHLN (foreign halal institutions) seeks to foster mutual acceptance and recognition of halal certificates. Such a mutual recognition agreement would effectively eliminate trade barriers for halal products between Indonesia and Japan.

Furthermore, two other halal institutions – the Muslim Professional Japan Association and the Japan Halal Association (NPO) – have expressed their interest in forging partnerships with the Indonesian government for halal product cooperation.