Indonesia and New Zealand discuss halal exports, certification and market access opportunities.
Indonesia is seeking to expand halal trade with New Zealand through business outreach and certification coordination at the New Zealand Halal Show 2026, held at Auckland Showgrounds on 31 October and 1 November. H.E. Fientje Maritje Suebu, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to New Zealand, and Mr Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH), attended the opening and met Haji Mohammed Fazal, President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). Their discussions focused on market access and opportunities for New Zealand meat, dairy, pharmaceutical and halal-certified food products in Indonesia.
The Embassy reported that more than 50 participants took part in the two-day event, which featured a halal product exhibition, food festival, conference and educational seminars. The programme brought together businesses, certification stakeholders and representatives of the Muslim community.
Ambassador Suebu highlighted the complementary positions of the two markets: New Zealand is a major global supplier of halal meat, while Indonesia has a large halal consumer market. New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries lists FIANZ Halal Limited among the approved halal organisations for dairy and red-meat products destined for Indonesia, providing a direct institutional link to the bilateral trade opportunity.
Ambassador Suebu encouraged closer coordination among FIANZ, BPJPH and relevant stakeholders to improve understanding of Indonesia’s halal product assurance requirements. She also invited New Zealand businesses to participate in halal exhibitions and business forums in Indonesia to explore commercial partnerships and market opportunities.
On 1 November, Ambassador Suebu discussed ways to strengthen halal assurance in New Zealand with BPJPH Head Mr. Hasan. Proposals included halal-literacy initiatives for the Indonesian diaspora, training and competency certification for halal assessors and supervisors, exploring the establishment of an Overseas Halal Institution (LHLN), and cooperation with halal laboratories in New Zealand. These initiatives remain areas for further exploration rather than completed arrangements.
The discussions come ahead of Indonesia’s phased halal-certification requirements for certain imported products. Under Government Regulation No. 40 of 2026, mandatory halal certification for imported food, beverages, slaughter products and slaughtering services is scheduled to begin on 18 October 2028, taking into account the completion of mutual-recognition cooperation for halal certificates. Other product categories follow separate implementation timelines.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Wellington said it would continue facilitating engagement among BPJPH, FIANZ, the Indonesian diaspora and businesses in both countries to develop the opportunities discussed into practical economic cooperation.
Source: Embassy of Republic of Indonesia in Wellington
