Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya Curates Halal Chefs

Tue, 19 May 2026, 21:22 WIB | By Heryadi | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Economy

Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya Representative Office has begun strengthening the development of a halal industry based on local potential through a halal chef-curation programme and strengthening regional culinary talent. The step is part of preparations for the Sharia Economic Festival (FESyar), while also opening opportunities for local culinary players to appear at the regional to international levels.

This programme is established in collaboration with the Government of Ciamis Regency, the Komite Daerah Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah (KDEKS), and the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) of West Java Province. One main focus is the establishment of a distinctive halal culinary zone in Ciamis Regency.

Indah Ratiwi, Head of the Unit for the Development of SMEs, Inclusive Finance and Sharia at Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya Representative Office, said developing a halal ecosystem is not enough through product certification alone, but must be accompanied by improving human resources in the culinary sector.

She added that FESyar provides a strategic platform to attract the best talent in halal culinary and to introduce the region’s culinary wealth to a wider market. “The Sharia Economic Festival will attract the best halal culinary talents from various regions through a halal-chef curators,” said Indah Ratiwi, on Tuesday (19 May).

Various Participant Categories

She explained the competition involves categories from professional chefs, pesantren circles, academics, to vocational high school (SMK) culinary students.

Specifically in Ciamis, involvement of SMK students is of concern because they are believed to bring new creativity in processing high-quality halal food. “In Ciamis Regency, SMK culinary students participate, showing their creativity in producing high-quality halal dishes,” she said.

This step also serves as a strategy for regenerating halal culinary industry players. Bank Indonesia sees the younger generation has great potential to create food innovations based on local wisdom that can compete in national and global markets.

Development of the halal culinary sector is increasingly important amid the growing global halal industry. Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population, has a big opportunity to become a major player in the global halal industry, including the food and beverage sector.

Becomes a Mentoring Arena

The Regent of Ciamis, Herdiat Sunarya, assessed that the programme initiated by Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya was not just a cooking competition, but a mentoring space for local culinary talents to move up a level.

“We appreciate Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya for presenting this extraordinary programme for developing halal culinary SMEs as part of strengthening the regional economy,” said Herdiat.

According to him, the various local dishes showcased by participants, especially from SMK circles, show a quality capable of competing nationally and even internationally.

Herdiat said the culinary sector is now one of the important doors to introducing regional identity. Traditional foods are not only viewed as consumer goods but also part of promoting culture and local economy.

“Developments in the culinary industry open up great opportunities for the region to promote local identity through food products,” he added.

Launching a Halal Culinary Zone

As a sign of seriousness in developing the halal ecosystem, the Ciamis Regency Government is also preparing the launch of the first halal culinary zone in West Java located along the non-tol route. The zone is planned to be launched in conjunction with the 384th anniversary of Ciamis Regency in June.

The existence of the halal culinary zone is expected to become a centre for promoting local SMEs’ products and to strengthen Ciamis’ image as one of the areas developing the sharia economy in West Java.

In addition, the halal-chef-curation event organised by Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya will open the way for the best participants to perform at higher levels. Participants from various regencies and cities within BI Tasikmalaya’s jurisdiction will be screened to represent the Java Island region before potentially performing at the international level.

Herdiat hopes that the synergy between local government, Bank Indonesia, and SME players can give rise to a young, creative generation in the halal culinary sector. “We hope to see a young generation creative in the culinary field who not only can lift local potential but also strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global halal industry,” he concluded. (E-2)

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