The Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Association of Islamic Economists (IAEI) again held a discussion program entitled IAEI Corner with the theme “Halal Lifestyle: A Path to a Better Life”. This event took place online via Zoom at 13.00-14.30 WIB and was attended by 76 participants. This program is a place to share insights and discussions between Islamic economics experts and the general public regarding the development of Islamic economics in Indonesia, especially in the context of halal lifestyle.
This event presented resource person Akhmad Akbar Susamto, Ph.D, as Chairman of DPW IAEI D.I Yogyakarta, who discussed in depth the concept of halal lifestyle. Halal lifestyle is not only about food and beverage consumption, but covers various aspects of life such as finance, health, clothing, and tourism.
The concept of halal is also not just a matter of permissible or not permissible, but how a Muslim chooses the best for himself and his environment.
“Halal lifestyle is not only about avoiding the haram, but also about how we as Muslims try to fulfill the obligatory and sunnah and avoid the makruh. In this way, we not only get worldly benefits, but also blessings in life,” explained Akbar Susamto.
In the discussion session, the speakers emphasized that blessings in Islam have four main levels: stability, increased benefits, peace of mind, and long-term sustainable benefits. The implementation of halal lifestyle can be done by consuming halal and thayyib food, using Islamic financial products to avoid usury, and conducting business and daily life with Islamic ethics.
Consumers play a major role in shaping the halal market by choosing products that comply with Islamic principles. This collective awareness will encourage producers to increase the number of halal products on the market, thus creating a wider and more sustainable halal ecosystem.
In terms of regulation, halal certification in Indonesia continues to be strengthened through Law No. 33 of 2014 which requires halal products. Although there are challenges in implementation, this regulation provides opportunities for the national halal industry to grow. Halal certification is not only a matter of compliance, but also part of a business strategy that increases product competitiveness in the global market.
Indonesia has great potential as the center of the world's halal industry, given the dominant Muslim population and the development of various halal sectors such as food, fashion, and tourism. Collaboration between the government, academics, and business actors is key in strengthening the halal ecosystem so that Indonesia is not only a consumer, but also a major producer in the global market.
With IAEI Corner, it is hoped that more people will understand the importance of halal lifestyle as part of a more blessed and sustainable life. This program will continue to be a forum for education and discussion to support the development of Islamic economics in Indonesia.
