Jakarta. The East Java provincial government announced Tuesday it is exploring a partnership with Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank in a move to build the province’s halal industry.

East Java Governor Indar Parawansa said that the partnership with the Islamic Development Bank would encompass training, exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology, and human capital. The partnership will help East Java's small enterprises to produce better-quality halal goods. The local halal butchers can get training to better comply with Islamic dietary laws and health protocols. The partnership is also expected to open up market access for the province’s halal goods to enter the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) markets.

“We wish to develop the halal ecosystem in East Java,” Khofifah said. 

Malaysia’s Serunai Commerce is taking part in the partnership with the Islamic Development Bank. Serunai Commerce will provide access to platforms that can link small businesses to the halal supply chain, according to Khofifah. In the long run, the partnership would result in catalytic funding, the governor said.

According to Khofifah, the partnership is expected to bolster the Sharia economy, particularly the community-based economy that involves Islamic boarding schools

“East Java is home to 992,889 Islamic boarding school students. That is why we should be able to develop this halal ecosystem in East Java,” Khofifah said.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. The Religious Affairs Ministry reported that there were 40.1 million Muslims in East Java as of 2022.