<![CDATA[This study examines how halal certification is negotiated within Bali’s Hindu-majority tourism industry, where Indonesia’s halal regulatory frameworks intersect with local cultural governance and the growing Muslim tourism market. It addresses the limited attention given to halal tourism in Muslim-minority contexts and the governance tensions that emerge in such settings. Using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach, this study draws on field-based data collected through semi-structured interviews with tourism stakeholders, including business actors, government officials, and community leaders, supported by relevant policy documents and academic literature. The findings reveal a dynamic interplay of support and resistance toward halal certification, shaped by religious values, sociocultural conditions, economic interests, and stakeholders’ professional orientations within Bali’s tourism ecosystem. Many actors view halal certification as a strategic instrument for attracting Muslim tourists and expanding market opportunities. However, resistance persists when certification is perceived as an externally imposed religious regulation that may challenge Bali’s local cultural identity. This study contributes to the literature by framing halal certification as a negotiated governance mechanism shaped by legal frameworks, cultural identity, and expectations in the Muslim tourism market. It argues that effective halal tourism development in Muslim-minority destinations requires culturally adaptive, inclusive, and communicative policy approaches that align economic incentives with local values.]]>
