PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan emphasized that West Java has great potential to become a pioneer in the development of sharia economics at the national and global levels.

This was conveyed by Erwan when attending the press conference for the Hijabfest x Jabar Halal Fair 2026 activity at the Sasana Budaya Ganesa (Sabuga) ITB, Bandung, Saturday (7/3/2026).

"West Java is a pioneer in the development of the sharia economy in Indonesia and the world. The world is watching the development of Indonesia's sharia economy, and Indonesia is watching how it develops in West Java," said Erwan.

According to him, the potential for sharia economics in West Java is enormous, but its development requires collaboration between various parties, including banks, business actors, MSMEs, academics, and the government.

"The government cannot work alone to improve the sharia economy or halal industry in West Java without the support of all parties," he said.

He emphasized that strong and sustainable collaboration must be maintained so that the development of the sharia economy in West Java can run optimally.

Erwan also expressed his appreciation to the West Java Representative Office of Bank Indonesia for its continued collaboration with the West Java Provincial Government in promoting the strengthening of the sharia economy.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the West Java Representative Office of Bank Indonesia for its continued collaboration with the West Java Provincial Government. I also extend my gratitude to the industrial sector, business actors, the Hijabfest community, and Islamic financial institutions like Bank Syariah Indonesia for their continued support of the development of the halal industry in West Java," he said.

Halal industry

According to Erwan, Bandung plays a crucial role as the center of the halal industry in West Java. The city is known as Indonesia's fashion hub, and its halal fashion sector is also growing.

"Bandung is known as the Paris of Java, the fashion capital of Indonesia. This is a strength for us to develop a larger halal fashion industry," he said.

In 2025, the West Java Provincial Government issued approximately 800,000 halal certificates covering approximately 2 million products. By 2026, the government is targeting an additional 600,000 new halal certificates.

"The target for 2026 is to add more than 600,000 halal certificates. Currently, we will issue around 640,000 this year," said Erwan.

He hopes that the increase in halal certification will encourage the growth of the sharia economy and strengthen the halal industry ecosystem in West Java.

Erwan also emphasized the importance of accelerating halal certification, especially in tourist areas, to ensure Muslim tourists feel more comfortable.

"We're not just encouraging, but mandating that every region, especially tourist areas in West Java, ensure that food products and other services are halal-certified. This way, people, especially Muslims visiting West Java, will have no hesitation in shopping," he said.

He added that West Java must not be left behind by other countries where the majority of the population is not Muslim but has already developed the halal industry.

"Now, even countries with Muslim minorities like Korea, China, and Japan are already providing halal services. We must not be left behind. West Java must become a center for the development of the sharia economy and halal industry," he said.

The Hijabfest x Jabar Halal Fair 2026 activity was organized by the Bank Indonesia Representative Office of West Java Province in synergy with the West Java Provincial Government, Bandung City Government, Bank Syariah Indonesia, the West Java Regional Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance, and Indonesia Hijabfest.

This event is part of the National Halal Fair series and leads to the West Java Sharia Economic Festival 2026, which features various activities such as MSME product showcases, fashion exhibitions, inspirational talk shows, expanding access to sharia financial services, and community activities.

Also present at the press conference were the Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for West Java Province, Muhamad Nur, and the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan.