Indonesia’s Halal Sector Shines on the Global Stage
The Indonesia Pavilion at the recent Mega Halal Bangkok 2025 exhibition was a significant success, securing potential halal trade deals worth an impressive US$563 thousand. Indonesian trade attaché in Bangkok, Rafika Arfani, noted that the pavilion drew strong and enthusiastic attention from a wide range of international buyers, particularly for lifestyle products that demonstrate the evolving nature of Indonesia’s halal industry. Key categories that attracted significant interest included high-quality fashion, cosmetics, diverse food and beverages, and artisanal home decor. This enthusiastic response from global buyers underscored Indonesia’s growing capacity to lead in the modern halal sector, which is moving well beyond its traditional focus on food and beverages. Arfani also emphasized that the country’s presence at the event was more than just a business endeavor; it was a powerful platform for economic diplomacy, effectively promoting Indonesia’s advanced and comprehensive halal ecosystem to a global audience and solidifying its position as a key player in this lucrative industry.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through Growing Bilateral Trade
The successful outcome in Bangkok clearly reflects the strengthening economic ties between Indonesia and Thailand, which have continued to grow despite global economic uncertainties. The latest trade data highlights this positive trend. From January to May 2025, total bilateral trade between the two nations reached an impressive US$4 billion, while its imports were valued at US$147.10 million. This marks a notable shift from the previous year, when total trade in 2024 amounted to US$7.70 billion and fell short of imports from Thailand valued at US$9.73 billion. The positive trade performance in the first five months of the year demonstrates the resilience and increasing competitiveness of Indonesia’s key export sectors in the regional market, showcasing a promising outlook for the remainder of the year.
Positioning for Future Growth and Global Recognition
The success of the Indonesia Pavilion and the growing trade figures are strategically positioning the country for future growth and enhanced global recognition. Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman, described the exhibition as a strategic initiative aimed at significantly enhancing the global visibility of Indonesian halal products. The enthusiastic reception and keen interest from a broad spectrum of international stakeholders underscored the rising global recognition of Indonesian product quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The exhibition effectively painted a modern, dynamic, and competitive image of Indonesia’s halal sector, which extends well beyond its traditional markets. This positive projection is crucial for attracting new buyers and solidifying the country’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality source of halal goods. The country’s strong performance in both trade and showcasing its products in a key regional hub signals a positive trajectory for its export-driven economy and its ambition to become a global leader in the halal industry.
