When we think of Indonesia, we often think of a large archipelago with diverse ethnicities and cultures. According to a 2010 report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia has over 300 ethnic groups and over 1,001 distinct regional languages. Indonesia boasts approximately 17,504 islands and a coastline of 108,000 km2. This geographical location and cultural diversity make Indonesia a highly strategic and promising destination for developing the tourism sector. In 2019, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the country generated Rp 280 trillion in foreign exchange, contributed 5.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employed 13 million people.

The tourism sector's role in boosting the economy demonstrates its position as Indonesia's leading sector. Tourism in Indonesia is now focused not only on infrastructure and attracting tourists, but also on diversifying its Muslim-friendly offerings. This concept is known as halal tourism.

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Halal tourism doesn't mean non-Muslims are prohibited from visiting Indonesia. However, it's important to understand that the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) defines halal tourism as having a faith-based service ecosystem, such as halal food, prayer facilities, restrooms with water for ablution, and a non-Islamophobic environment. The key to halal tourism is how destinations can enhance comfort while maintaining religious obligations and understanding them through historical and cultural heritage.

The implementation of halal tourism regulations in Indonesia itself is in the form of the Indonesian Sharia Economic Masterplan 2019-2024, the issuance of Law No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantee, and the Fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Number 108/DSN-MUI/X/2016 concerning Guidelines for Organizing Tourism Based on Sharia Principles. Evidence of the implementation of halal tourism regulations has greatly encouraged the development of the halal tourism sector, even several tourist destinations in Indonesia have become the best in the world, such as in the 2019 GMTI report entitled World Halal Tourism Award 2018, where Sembalun Valley, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara received the award for the best halal honeymoon destination in the world. There is also the city of Padang which received the title of the best halal destination, and Aceh Province as the best halal cultural destination.

The implementation of halal tourism in Indonesia is inseparable from religious and sustainable resource perspectives, both human and natural. From a religious perspective, halal tourism's orientation is not only to generate foreign exchange and direct income for the community, but also to prioritize Islamic principles, values, and ethics/morals.

Islamic values ​​and ethics as stated in the MUI Fatwa state that the implementation of sharia tourism/halal tourism must avoid polytheism (belief in other than Allah), sin, evil and create benefits both materially and spiritually.

All aspects of halal tourism, including tourist destinations, transportation, hotels and accommodations, restaurants and cafes, and travel agencies, must be part of a halal ecosystem. A halal ecosystem can transform halal tourism into sustainable tourism, meaning that natural resources, businesses, and communities surrounding tourist attractions will benefit from halal tourism development.

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In the author's opinion, a sustainably developed halal tourism ecosystem is the solution to building an economy without harming the environment. If tourists, who travel to enjoy the beauty of nature, are able to understand the halal aspects of the tourism concept offered, then economic development that does not harm the environment can be realized.

We believe that the comprehensive implementation of Islamic values ​​in tourism will attract more tourists to Indonesia and increase their confidence in Indonesia's hospitality, fostering halal awareness. Given that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, increasing halal awareness can unlock significant economic potential.

However, developing halal tourism requires a professional workforce with an Islamic perspective. The role of the government, private sector, civil society, and many other stakeholders is crucial for the advancement of sustainable halal tourism. Halal tourism is highly effective in supporting and creating jobs and generating significant foreign exchange, especially when developed with a sustainable and environmentally friendly concept. The development of existing tourism will significantly contribute to regional development. Therefore, local and central governments continuously monitor regions that have implemented halal tourism concepts to ensure their Islamic values ​​and environmental friendliness are maintained.

By: Sunarmo

Lecturer in Management Study Program, Al Azhar University Indonesia