UNAIR NEWS – Through its consistency in developing halal industry, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) won First Place at the Indonesia Halal Industry Awards (IHYA). UNAIR achieved this award in the category of Best Higher Education Institution Supporting Halal Industry Development and Empowerment. The Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenperin) presented the award at the Main Stage Halal Indo, ICE BSD City, Tangerang, on Thursday (September 24, 2026).
Head of UNAIR Halal Center, Dr Abdul Rahem MKes Apt, was present to receive the award certificate signed by the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. This award showed UNAIR’s commitment for innovation and research in the halal industry.
Collaboration in building halal industry ecosystem
The IHYA event coincided with the Indo Halal International Expo (September 24-27, 2026), which involved more than 400 local and international entrepreneurs. The Minister of Industry, Kartasasmita stated that this event was aimed to accelerate the development of the national halal industry ecosystem toward a global supply chain hub.
“Indonesia has a huge potential to become one of the world’s halal industry hubs. In order to make this into a reality, the national halal industry must become more productive, innovative, and efforts to strengthen the ecosystem must be carried out in an integrated manner,” he said.
Furthermore, Kartasasmita emphasized that these awarding and expo events served as a crucial platform to develop halal industry while optimizing market potential.
UNAIR promotes halal research downstreaming
In his statement, the Head of UNAIR Halal Center, Dr Abdul Rahem stated that the 2026 IHYA award motivated the institution to continue providing solutions for the society and entrepreneurs. “We are dedicated to supporting the realization of a world-class Indonesian halal ecosystem that meets global standards. We continue to promote this through a multidisciplinary approach involving science, technological engineering, and compliance with halal standards,” he said.
Not merely brought home an award, UNAIR also showcased various research innovations and applied technology. These included Bhannex, a bone implant made of Natural Bovine Hydroxyapatite (BHA); antibacterial herbal toothpaste; Diabetkol, a product for maintaining the balance between blood sugar and cholesterol levels; and MediTea, a green tea extract rich in antioxidants.
Moreover, UNAIR also showcased raw materials alternatives for the pharmaceutical industry, such as the development of glucosamine for osteoarthritis treatment, and the innovation of a seaweed-based gelatin as the alternative for halal raw materials. This research is summarized in UNAIR Innovation Product Catalog.
Author: Damar Anargya
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
