Harmonization Forum (FORHAR)
[Surabaya, 4 March 2026] — Bank Indonesia’s Representative Office for East Java Province held the Technical Coordination Meeting (Rakortek) of the Harmonization Forum (FORHAR) for the Development of the Sharia Economy and Finance, Q1 2026, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at the Blambangan Room, 4th Floor, Bank Indonesia East Java Office, Surabaya.
The meeting aimed to align sharia economic development programs, update current strategic issues, and update data on export-potential sharia business actors to be included in the East Java Sharia Economy Development presentation book.
The FORHAR Rakortek 2026 was attended by various strategic stakeholders, including the East Java Regional Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KDEKS), the East Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), BAZNAS East Java, business organizations, as well as representatives from universities and halal research centers.
One of the invited academic institutions was the ITS Halal Research Center from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, which has been actively involved in research, education, and the strengthening of halal human resources. The participation of academia was considered essential to ensure sharia economic development based on evidence-based policy and the strengthening of a sustainable halal ecosystem.
The Rakortek agenda began with a presentation on Bank Indonesia’s 2026 Strategy for Sharia Economy and Finance Development, followed by sessions on synergistic sharia economic development programs presented by stakeholders. The forum was expected to serve as an effective coordination platform to unify policy directions, programs, and cross-sectoral data.
Prof. Setiyo Gunawan, ST., PhD, Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Head of the Halal Research Center at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, emphasized that consistent implementation of Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance is highly dependent on the readiness and competence of halal human resources, particularly Halal Supervisors, who function as internal auditors at the business entity level.
As part of capacity-building efforts, LPJPH Tekno Sains Academy ITS, which has been accredited by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), consistently organizes Halal Supervisor training programs based on the national curriculum. These programs include regular schemes that allow participants to proceed to national competency certification exams. The initiative is designed to support business readiness—especially among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—in meeting halal obligations ahead of the full implementation of the Halal Product Assurance System in 2026.
Through the strengthening of competent and certified halal human resources, Indonesia is expected to maintain consistency in its national halal policy while enhancing the competitiveness of its halal industry amid global trade challenges. Stakeholders emphasized that halal policy should not be positioned as a trade barrier, but rather as a market trust instrument that strengthens Indonesia’s position as a global halal industry hub.
— Bank Indonesia’s Representative Office for East Java Province held the Technical Coordination Meeting (Rakortek)
— Bilateral trade policy between the United States and Indonesia has entered a new phase
— The Directorate of Student Affairs of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to strengthen