Emil Dardak to Lead East Java Islamic Economic Community for 2026-2031 Term

Surabaya, East Java - The Vice Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, has been re-appointed to lead the East Java Islamic Economic Community (MES) for the 2026–2031 period to strengthen the Islamic economic ecosystem and the halal value chain.

“I would like to congratulate the Vice Governor on being re-elected as the General Chairman of the MES Regional Board for the next five years,” said the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawстью, while attending the inauguration of the MES East Java Regional and District Boards in Surabaya on Sunday.

Emil, along with 85 members of the MES East Java Regional Board, was inaugurated by the Vice General Chairman of the MES Central Board and Governor of Bank Indonesia, Destry Damayanti, following his previous leadership of the organisation during the 2022–2025 term.

Khofifah stated that Emil’s leadership with MES East Java should be directed towards connecting the strengths of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the halal industry, the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) economy, and various other productive sectors into a single, integrated halal value chain from upstream to downstream.

As the General Chairman of MES East Java and Vice Governor of East Java, Emil Dardak explained that his administration plans to place greater focus on the implementation of halal certification. He noted that MSME players face significant challenges in meeting requirements, even when their products are inherently halal.

“We hope that East Java’s capability in achieving halal certification can serve as a driving force,” said Emil.

He mentioned that one of the initiatives being promoted is a Halal Industrial Park, which is expected to receive fiscal incentives as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

In addition to his focus on halal product certification, Emil also highlighted the dimension of Islamic finance, which still faces many practical challenges on the ground that he hopes MES can address collectively.

“God willing, the East Java Provincial Government and Bank Indonesia always provide great attention. This includes Bank Jatim, which serves as a role model by developing its Sharia Business Unit (UUS),” he said.

Emil also expressed his appreciation for the solutions and support from all parties, including Bank Indonesia, which has agreed to be a core part of MES.

“Hopefully, MES East Java can continuously contribute to the MES Central Board. May the organisation’s operations continue to run smoothly as we await further direction from the next central board,” concluded Emil.