Jakarta, April 23 -- The Indonesian government, in cooperation with the B57+ Asia Pacific Regional Chapter, is seeking to position the country as a key driver of the global halal economy.

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said the halal economy should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of religious observance, but as a major industry projected to exceed US$3 trillion globally by 2026.

"The halal food, Islamic finance, cosmetics, and halal lifestyle are now mainstreaming the global economy," he said on Wednesday (April 22), following a gathering of the B57+ Asia Pacific Regional Chapter.

He added that the launch of the B57+ Asia Pacific Regional Chapter on February 3 marked a significant milestone in establishing a pri...