The D-8, originally established as a forum to strengthen economic relations among its member states, does not focus on a single sector alone. There are numerous economic sectors under consideration for continuous improvement to boost the living standards of its citizens.
One such sector is the halal economy. For Indonesia, as both a member and the current chair of the D-8, the halal economy is a vital area that cannot be overlooked. Consequently, the development of the halal economy has become one of the five priorities for the D-8 Summit during Indonesia's chairmanship. The other four include economic and trade integration, the strengthening of preferential trade agreements, the blue economy and green transition, and the strengthening of the digital and institutional economy. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the significance of the halal economy at the 2024 D-8 Summit. In his speech at the Presidential Palace in the New Administrative Capital in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Prabowo reminded the D-8 of the need to create a Global Halal Value Chain.
"To give more tangible benefits for our peoples, D-8 must deepen economic integration and cooperation. Amongst others, we must implement the Preferential Trade Agreement between us effectively," Prabowo stated at the time. He further added, "We also must establish streamlined and simplified customs procedures within intra-D-8 trade. We must also create a halal value chain through a strengthened D-8 halal economic network."
With the commencement of Indonesia's D-8 chairmanship in January 2026, the organization is immediately preparing concrete steps to realize its mission of enhancing the halal economy. One major plan is to stage the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 in Jakarta, scheduled for April 14-18, 2026. Located at the Tennis Indoor Senayan in Jakarta, the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 carries the theme "Strengthening D-8 Halal Economy Through International Collaboration." The event will bring together delegates and halal industry players from across the globe to open various opportunities for collaboration.
Various stakeholders will be involved in the event, ranging from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the D-8 Organization, the National Sharia Economy and Finance Committee (KNEKS), and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), who are prepared to utilize the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 as a platform to strengthen international engagement and expand global reach.
The focus on the halal economy during Indonesia's D-8 chairmanship is driven by the halal industry's significant market potential, which D-8 member states can leverage. The global halal market value is estimated to reach USD 3.36 trillion by 2028. Domestically, the potential is equally substantial, with Indonesia's household consumption totaling 3,226.1 trillion rupiah in the first quarter of 2025, supported by a Muslim population of 245.97 million, the largest in the world.
