Halal Studies and Society
Vol 2 No 3 (2025): September 2025

Halal industry as Indonesia’s new economic engine: The role of Mutual Recognition Agreements

Manthovani, Evita (Unknown)
Afandi, Frendy Ahmad (Unknown)
Susyanti, Susi (Unknown)
Indrasti, Dias (Unknown)
Indriyani, Lili (Unknown)
Permatasari, Gita (Unknown)
Khankasikam, Nichanan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Sep 2025

Abstract

The acceleration of halal certification is a strategic policy issue in the global Islamic economy during the rise of cross-border demand for halal products. Only 28.8% of food and beverage enterprises in Indonesia had obtained halal certification as of February 11, 2025, despite the country’s strategic position in the global market. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) in facilitating halal certification with a particular focus on food and beverage products through regulatory harmonization. MRA documents and international halal regulatory frameworks are analysed using an empirical qualitative method, supported by semi-structured interviews with halal certification stakeholders. The results suggest that MRA is expected to streamline procedures, avoid duplication, and improve efficiency, particularly in cross-border certification. However, the effectiveness is constrained by differences in Sharia interpretation, uneven testing infrastructure, and coordination challenges. MRA can support more efficient halal certification when reinforced by institutional capacity building and digitalized certification systems.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

hass

Publisher

Subject

Religion Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Halal Studies and Society (HaSS) is a journal of multidisciplinary and communication media as well as a means of ongoing discussion on relevant issues based on Halal specifications. In a global context, the halal issue is no longer limited to Muslims or certain religions. But, it has become a trend ...