Governor Khofifah Explores Cooperation With Islamic Development Bank

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (left front) at the IsDB office, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 8, 2024. (ANTARA/HO-Biro Adpim East Java)

The Governor of East Java (Jatim) Khofifah Indar Parawansa is exploring cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), one of which is to accelerate the strengthening of the halal ecosystem.

According to him, cooperation with IsDB located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is carried out through a reverse linkage program which includes training, exchanging knowledge, expertise, technology and human resources.

"In particular, this collaboration is carried out to improve the quality standards of halal products from micro, small, medium enterprises or MSMEs in East Java," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 9.

Khofifah explained that other collaborations include training the jumbing interpreter according to Islamic and medical law, as well as marketing halal products in East Java to member countries of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and meeting the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

"This is part of a process that we are trying to continue to provide reinforcement and acceleration for the development of the halal ecosystem in East Java. At the same time as an effort to develop recognized halal products for the global market," he said.

Khofifah explained that through this collaboration, support will be given in the form of knowledge, expertise and investment potential facilitated by Serunai Commerce at the bilateral level.

"Furthermore, there are three interventions in stages," he said.

The first stage is the Reverse Linkage intervention as a facilitator in 2024. The second stage of the short-term plan (2024-2025), namely the East Java Provincial Government's collaboration with Serunai Commerce to increase capacity and have the potential to develop a joint business or joint venture.

Khofifah explained that after reaching its capacity, Serunai Commerce will provide access to platforms that will connect to the halal supply chain.

"Entering the third stage is a medium and long-term plan, starting from 2025 onwards, namely reverse linkage intervention as a facilitator and funding provider," he said.

Khofifah ensured that IsDB made efforts to achieve the win-win scenario as a result of the reverse linkage intervention.

"Meanwhile, the financing is from all parties, namely between East Java, Serunai Commerce and IsDB," he said.