Yogyakarta, 4th November 2025 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) reaffirmed its leadership in global halal economy research and innovation through the organization of The 3rd International Conference on Islamic and Halal Economic Studies (ICIHES) 2025. Held on 4th–5th November 2025 at the Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel, this event marked the first ICIHES conference hosted in Indonesia, following two successful editions previously held in Malaysia.
Chairperson of the 3rd ICIHES 2025 and Chief of the Islamic Economics and Halal Industry Doctoral Program at SPs UGM, Dr. Reni Rosari, M.B.A., stated during a press briefing that the conference served as an international platform connecting scholars, industry leaders, policymakers, and the global community.
“ICIHES is not merely an academic forum; it is a form of civilizational da’wah—bringing blessings, justice, and prosperity with the development of the halal economy and social life,” said Dr. Reni Rosari.
This conference was initiated on a strategic collaboration among UGM Graduate School, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kyoto University, Ritsumeikan University (Japan), Masyarakat Ekonomi Syariah (MES) DIY, and the Global Gotong Royong (G2R) Tetrapreneur Community, supported by the Special Fund (Danais) from the Yogyakarta Special Region Government.
Dr. Reni emphasized in her remark, Yogyakarta was chosen due to geographic reasons, and its identity as a city of knowledge, culture, and civilization.
“From Yogyakarta, we want to tell the world that halal is not only about compliance; it is a way of building a dignified, just, and sustainable life,” she added.
ICIHES 2025 consists of three main series of events:
- Road to ICIHES 2025 (February–November) – including the Halal Cooking Demo & Talkshow (CDTS), Kawasan Halal Commitment (KKH), Halal Ambassadors of MES DIY, Halal Pioneers, and Halal Business Plan Competition (HBPC).
- Doctoral Colloquium (3rd November) – bringing together doctoral researchers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan in academic discussions.
- Main Conference (4th–5th November) – featuring keynote sessions, an ASEAN policy panel, and international research discussions.
The main conference was attended by prominent national and international figures, including YB. Dato’ Jefridin Haji Atan (Chairman, Legasi Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Organization), Prof. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA. (Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, UGM), Aria Nugrahadi, S.T., M.Eng. (representing Governor of Yogyakarta), Prof. Anggito Abimanyu, M.Sc. (Chairman of the LPS Board of Commissioners), Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kosugi Yasushi (Ritsumeikan University, Japan), and Prof. Dr. Abdul Ghafar Ismail (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia).
Dr. Rika Fatimah P.L., S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief of the Halal Industry Department at MES DIY and Co-Chair of ICIHES 2025, highlighted the need to redefine the role of halal ambassadors and figures in today’s social context.
“A halal ambassador is someone who understands halal products and also embodies halal values in their character and actions. Halal figures are not necessarily public icons—they may be ordinary people who inspire innovation in their daily lives,” she explained.
The coverage from more than 30 national media outlets—including Kompas, Republika, Tempo, Antara News, KR, and RRI—ICIHES 2025 has attracted wide public attention to UGM’s role as a global leader in halal economic studies.
The UGM Graduate School reaffirmed its commitment in advancing research, international collaboration, and evidence-based policy development in building an inclusive and sustainable halal ecosystem.
“The halal economy is a vision of civilization. Indonesia must be a market and also a thinker and leader in its development. And Yogyakarta, with its values of knowledge and culture, is the best stage to start that conversation,” concluded Dr. Reni Rosari.
Writer: Arfikah Istari