SEAToday, Tokyo - The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs launched the Halal International Trust Organization (HITO) in Japan on Sunday (29/9). HITO is the first Indonesian Muslim community-based halal certification organization specifically designed for the Japanese market.

It was attended by Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan accredited to the Federation of Micronesia Heri Akhmadi, Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency M Aqil Irham, Special Staff of the Minister of Religious Affairs Abdul Qodir, Head of Halal Trust International Organization (HITO) Erwin Avianto, Secretary of BPJPH Chuzaemi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Sunanto, and Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Community in Japan Muhammad Zahrul Muttaqien. Joining online was Executive Director of the National Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance (KNEKS) Sholahudin Al Ayub.

Yaqut assessed that the launch of this program is very important as an effort to strengthen access to halal services for the Indonesian people, especially those living or visiting Japan.

Data shows that the number of Indonesian citizens in Japan reaches 180 thousand with the majority being Muslims. According to Yaqut, this is both a challenge and an opportunity to provide halal services that are more structured and can be easily accessed by Indonesians in Sakura Country.

“One of the efforts we are making together is the development of a halal ecosystem based on the Indonesian Muslim community in Japan,” he said.

According to Heri Akhmadi, the Japanese halal market is experiencing rapid growth with a projected value of more than 68 million US dollars in 2024 or around more than 1 trillion rupiah, and an annual growth of 6.3%. Based on a study in 2021, more than 1,000 companies in Japan have obtained halal certification, and nearly 30% of Japanese consumers have expressed interest in trying halal products.

“HITO is a direct response to this growing demand. This halal certification body not only complies with global halal standards, but also considers local conditions and Japan's unique cultural wisdom,” said Heri.

The presence of HITO is not only beneficial for Indonesians living or visiting Japan, but also opens up opportunities for Indonesian halal products to enter the increasingly large Japanese market.

Thus, HITO is expected to bridge Indonesian entrepreneurs to expand the export market for halal products and at the same time strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan.