Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, expressed support for strengthening Islamic economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region during the Halalbihalal B57+ Asia-Pacific Regional Chapter event titled Strengthening Islamic Economic Synergy: From Ukhuwah to Global Economic Partnership, held at Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

On the occasion, Anin, as he is commonly known, congratulated Arsjad Rasjid on his appointment as Chairman of the B57+ Asia-Pacific Regional Chapter. According to him, this is a matter of pride for Indonesia, as the Asia-Pacific scope extends beyond Southeast Asia to the entire region.

“This is a source of pride for Indonesia. Asia-Pacific is not only Indonesia or Southeast Asia, but the entire region, and having the right representative like Mr. Arsjad is something we should support and be proud of,” Anin said.

Anin highlighted the vast global potential of the Islamic economy. Based on the data presented, the halal sector is projected to exceed USD 3 trillion in value within the next three to four years, while Islamic financial assets are estimated to range between USD 5 trillion and USD 8 trillion.

Furthermore, Anin emphasized that Indonesia currently needs a strong economic growth narrative. In line with the government’s target of achieving up to 8 percent growth, Indonesia also faces complex global challenges and therefore requires strong and reliable strategic partners.

“Indonesia needs a strong growth story. The President is targeting gradual growth toward 8 percent, and in a challenging global environment, we need many partners who are reliable and share the spirit of progressing together,” Anin stated.

According to Anin, B57+ is a strategic group that not only includes member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but is also connected to the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, making it a highly potential partner in developing the halal industry.

“This is a reliable and prospective partner to develop the halal industry and Islamic finance. As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia needs prosperity that can be felt across all regions,” Anin explained.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the B57+ Asia-Pacific Regional Chapter, Arsjad Rasjid, stated that the halal economy has now become a “universal business language.” This means the sector is not only intended for Muslim communities, but is also widely accepted because it offers transparency and quality assurance.

However, he noted that this vast potential has not yet been fully translated into economic benefits. One of the main challenges is the lack of strong connectivity between countries, particularly among OIC members and their strategic partners.

“We see this across the world, in sectors such as tourism, supply chains, and Islamic finance, which are growing rapidly in many countries. The halal economy is an increasingly universal, inclusive, growing, and relevant business language for all,” Arsjad concluded.

Also attending the event were Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya, and Kadin Indonesia Vice Chairman for Research and Technology Ilham Akbar Habibie.