This study aims to analyze how to strengthen the roles of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and higher education institutions in developing a community-based halal industry ecosystem, and to formulate a replicable synergy model. The method employed is descriptive qualitative research using a literature review; data are drawn from regulations and policy documents, official statistical reports, and scholarly literature. The analysis is carried out through theme identification, topic categorization, synthesis of findings, and formulation of operational recommendations. The results reveal an implementation paradox: the growth of the halal economy and the increase in certification have not been matched by MSME readiness due to uneven halal literacy, fragmented institutional coordination, limited availability of facilitators/auditors, and weak access to Islamic financing and technology. Pesantren play an effective role as community hubs through religious legitimacy, education, MSME mapping, and business incubation; meanwhile, universities/halal centers reinforce halal science, end-to-end certification clinics, human resource development, and the acceleration of digitalization and marketing. This study proposes a halal community hub as a one-stop service at the village level or within pesantren–campus areas, based on a pentahelix approach to integrate education, certification, financing, and digital channels. In conclusion, collaboration between these two institutional nodes has the potential to bridge the gap between macro-level policies and micro-level needs, but it requires field testing based on performance indicators.
Copyrights © 2025