Tourism Ministry supports halal certification to boost Muslim-friendly travel

The Ministry of Tourism supports the implementation of a halal certification programme targeting business operators in tourist areas to improve Muslim-friendly travel services. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that since 2025, the ministry has collaborated with the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) to facilitate business operators in tourist villages in accessing halal certification services through the Free Halal Certification Programme (SEHATI). She said the halal certification programme targets micro and small enterprises in 1,500 tourist villages across Indonesia. By the end of May 2026, a total of 31,548 halal certificates had been issued in 1,116 tourist villages through the programme. Providing products and services that meet halal standards and hold halal certificates from BPJPH can enhance the competitiveness of Muslim-friendly tourist destinations and open up greater market opportunities. In addition to running the halal certification service programme in tourist villages, the Ministry of Tourism is cooperating with BPJPH to disseminate information on the implementation of regulations regarding mandatory halal certification starting in October 2026 to tourism business operators. The dissemination of halal certification regulations to hotel, restaurant, café, and catering service operators, as well as business associations, local governments, and other stakeholders, is carried out through the Tourism Industry Communication Forum (FORMASI). The Ministry of Tourism and BPJPH are working to improve tourism business operators’ understanding of the halal certification process, enhance the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem, and strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism industry by providing quality, safe, and reliable products and services for travellers. The Tourism Minister also stressed the importance of improving destination security following a rise in crimes against tourists. The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging local governments and destination managers to enhance coordination with security forces to create a safe, comfortable, and pleasant tourism environment. To improve tourist safety, a security task force has been formed to suppress street crimes such as muggings and robberies. Additionally, 1,516 Tourism Police personnel have been deployed across 36 provinces to support the security of tourist destinations. The Ministry of Tourism, together with relevant agencies, local governments, industry operators, and tourism stakeholders, is also conducting awareness activities for tourists, particularly women, to increase their vigilance when visiting tourist destinations.