On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, the Business Law Community (BLC) of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM) organized a webinar and book discussion on Sharia Tourism Law in ASEAN. The event featured distinguished speakers, including Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Prof. M. Hawin, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D., Professor at FH UGM, and Dr. Muhammad Reza Syariffudin Zaki, S.H., M.A., AWP., CIQnR, CRMO, lecturer at BINUS University and author of the book.
According to Anabel M. A. Manulang, Director of BLC FH UGM, and Yosephine Ceria Warnanda, Chair of the Organizing Committee, the webinar attracted more than 1,000 participants. The event generated significant enthusiasm among students, academics, legal practitioners, civil servants, community organizations, and members of the public due to the relevance and timeliness of the topic. The webinar was organized in collaboration with BINUS University, ILSA BINUS University, and Prenada Media Publishing.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Sigit Riyanto, S.H., LL.M., Dean of FH UGM, noted that Sharia Tourism Law in ASEAN is a rare publication and may be among the first works of its kind available in the market. He emphasized the importance of studying the legal framework of halal tourism, particularly considering Indonesia’s significant potential in the global halal tourism industry. He further suggested that Indonesia and ASEAN should utilize the pandemic period to formulate agreements and regulatory frameworks that could provide greater legal certainty for the development of halal tourism in the future.
During his presentation, Sandiaga Uno highlighted the Indonesian government’s efforts to promote halal tourism through 2030. These initiatives include the development of the Indonesian Muslim Friendly Tourism application, campaigns encouraging the purchase of halal products, the expansion of sharia-compliant digital wallets, and collaborations with travel agencies. He also noted that Indonesia, alongside Malaysia, is currently recognized as one of the world’s leading destinations for halal tourism.
Prof. Hawin discussed recent developments within ASEAN, particularly the adoption of the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA). He explained that ATISA differs in several respects from the framework established by the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially regarding the application of general and specific obligations. He also raised the question of whether halal certification could constitute a trade barrier within the context of international trade, given that halal tourism requires halal-compliant products and services not only in the culinary sector but also across various other industries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Reza Syariffudin Zaki, as the author of Sharia Tourism Law in ASEAN, explained that ASEAN has not yet established a comprehensive regional regulatory framework governing halal tourism. Likewise, several ASEAN member states still lack legislation at the statutory level to support the optimal development of halal tourism. Existing regulations in many countries remain limited to ministerial regulations, religious agreements, or halal certification mechanisms. He further emphasized the enormous potential of the halal tourism market, which ASEAN should address strategically. As a region with a substantial Muslim population and significant tourism capacity, ASEAN is well-positioned to become a global leader in halal tourism. He noted that spending by Indonesian Muslim travelers accounts for approximately 94 percent of total outbound tourism expenditure by Indonesian travelers. Overall, data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization indicates that Indonesian outbound tourists spend approximately USD 11.8 billion annually. According to Dr. Zaki, this considerable economic potential should encourage both Indonesia and ASEAN to strengthen policies and legal frameworks supporting the growth of halal tourism across the region.