KALASAN, SLEMAN, 11 October 2026 — Sharia Economic Community (MES) Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) held Waqf Gowes MES DIY and Kalasan Fried Chicken Halal Area Commitment Declaration (KKH) in Tirtomartani, Kalasan, Sleman Regency, Sunday (11/10). This activity, which was attended by around 115 participants, is part of the Road to Jogja Halal Fest (JHF) #3 International 2026 series, which will take place on 4–6 December 2026.
This activity brings together the government, community and religious organizations, sharia financial institutions, business actors and communities to strengthen collaboration in developing the halal ecosystem and empowering MSMEs.
The series of events began with a joint ride of approximately 15 kilometers which was opened by the General Chairperson of MES DIY, Prof. Dr. H. Edy Suandi Hamid, M.Ec. The activity continued with a light banquet, distribution of door prizes, remarks from stakeholders, a report on the collection of waqf, the symbolic handing over of MSME nameplates, and the signing of a declaration of commitment to halal areas.
Halal for Trust and Competitiveness of MSMEs
General Chair MES DIY, Prof. Dr. H. Edy Suandi Hamid, M.Ec., emphasized that the development of a halal ecosystem needs to be understood as an effort to improve the quality and competitiveness of business, not merely to fulfill religious requirements.
"Halal is not only about compliance, but also about building consumer trust. Commitment to halal needs to go hand in hand with improving product quality, health, taste and consistency," he said.
According to Prof. Edy, Jogja Halal Fest #3 International 2026 is a momentum to expand promotion of halal products, build business networks, and open opportunities for collaboration and investment. He also appreciated the support of various organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, and LDII, in encouraging the development of the halal ecosystem in DIY.
Chairman of the Kalasan Maju Makmur Fried Chicken Association, through the speech delivered by Sigit Wahyudi, expressed his appreciation to MES DIY and all parties who support regional development. Business actors' attention to halal aspects is considered important to maintain consumer trust while strengthening local culinary identity.
Meanwhile, Panewu Kalasan, Samino, S.IP., M.Ec.Dev., hopes that this collaboration can make Kalasan Fried Chicken more widely known and in demand by the public, as well as increasing business competitiveness in the Kalasan area.
43 MSMEs Committed to Developing Halal Areas
A total of 43 Kalasan Fried Chicken MSMEs expressed their commitment to help develop the area as a culinary center that prioritizes halal values. The commitment was marked by the symbolic handing over of MSME nameplates, signing of declarations, and the opening of area plan boards.
This initiative is expected to be the first step to strengthen the identity of the culinary area, increase awareness of business actors, and encourage better and more competitive business governance.
Further regional development requires education, assistance and synergy with relevant stakeholders. This joint commitment also needs to be followed up through fulfilling the requirements and halal certification process in accordance with applicable regulations.
Waqf Collection Reaches IDR 538 Million
In the same activity, Chairman of the Waqf Institution MES DIY, H. Edi Sunarto, S.E., M.M., reported that the collection of waqf funds had reached around IDR 538 million from a potential IDR 1.5 billion.
This achievement is part of efforts to expand community participation in cash waqf and strengthen the role of Islamic social finance for the benefit of society.
"Education and outreach need to continue to be expanded so that more and more people understand cash waqf and participate in this movement," said the substance of the message conveyed in this activity.
As a follow-up, the Waqf Institute MES DIY plans a study and socialization of waqf in November 2026. The development of a similar movement is also expected to reach other areas, including Bantul and Kulon Progo Regencies.
Collaboration Towards Jogja Halal Fest 2026
This activity was also attended by elements of the Kapanewon Kalasan Government, representatives of the Tirtomartani District Government, the Head of Bendan Tirtomartani Hamlet, KUA Kalasan, IPHI Kalasan, as well as various community and religious organizations. A number of sharia financial institutions also participated, including BPD DIY Syariah, BDS as event sponsor, LKS PWU BPRS HIK MCI, BPRS MAM, BPRS BDS, BPRS BDW, and BMT Beringharjo. The Dhuri Cycling Community also enlivened the cycling activities together.
Through this activity, MES DIY brings together the waqf literacy agenda, empowering MSMEs, and strengthening the halal ecosystem in one collaborative movement. These efforts are expected to produce real follow-up that will have an impact on business quality, consumer confidence and community economic growth.
As part of the Road to Jogja Halal Fest #3 International 2026, MES DIY invites the government, sharia financial institutions, social organizations, communities and business actors to collaborate to realize Yogyakarta as one of the centers for developing Indonesia's halal ecosystem.
