Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association (ICMI) DIY Prof. Dr. H. Mahfud Sholihin (blue batik shirt) feels honored because he is always invited to participate in the biggest halal event in Indonesia, the third Jogja Halal Fest. ICMI DIY with its scientific heterogeneity is ready to become a program partner and a resource for various matters.
In a limited meeting with the JHF #3 committee consisting of Budi Setyawan, Mursida Rambe, Endah S., and Rahadi Saptata Abra in Jakarta, they were very enthusiastic about supporting JHF #3 to become an international class halal event like MIHAS in Malaysia or Mega Halal in Bangkok and various other countries.
This means, even though it starts from Jogja, as long as many communities and institutions as well as the government support JHF, it is not impossible that it will become an annual event eagerly awaited by halal business and industry players from various countries. This is where halal or sharia has developed throughout the world and has become a kind of belief that halal is healthy, safe, responsible, comforting, and a kind of guarantee. So, it doesn't have to be only for Muslims.
Many non-Muslim entrepreneurs have more trust in sharia financial institutions. Many people are increasingly comfortable staying in sharia hotels. Many non-Muslim people feel safe and enjoy eating halal food.
"We really support JHF going international," said Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, who is also a lecturer at FEB UGM.
