FIH UNU Jogja Explores Collaboration with ITS Halal Studies Center to Strengthen the Halal Industry

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The Faculty of Halal Industry (FIH) at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) explored opportunities for collaboration through a working visit to the Halal Studies Center (PKH) at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya on Saturday, October 10.

The delegation was welcomed by PKH ITS Head Prof. Setiyo Gunawan, S.T., Ph.D., IPM., and his team. The meeting provided a platform for both institutions to discuss potential partnerships in strengthening research and developing the halal industry ecosystem.

Dean of FIH UNU Jogja apt. Listiana Hidayati, M.Sc., said the visit was a strategic step toward strengthening partnerships with institutions committed to advancing halal studies. The collaboration is expected to open opportunities for developing programs that support the implementation of the three pillars of higher education: education, research, and community service.

“We want to expand our collaborations with various partners, including PKH ITS, by exploring opportunities in different areas, particularly in implementing the three pillars of higher education,” she said.

According to Listiana, halal industry development is one of FIH UNU Jogja’s key priorities. Therefore, the exchange of experiences and exploration of potential partnerships with PKH ITS are expected to strengthen the sustainability of halal studies while advancing relevant academic disciplines to meet the needs of society and industry.

Both institutions explored potential collaboration in research, training, and the development of multidisciplinary halal studies. “Research collaboration will focus on topics and scopes aligned with the expertise and needs of each institution. Meanwhile, discussions on training have covered opportunities to enhance the capacity of lecturers, students, and relevant stakeholders in the halal industry,” she explained.

Listiana further noted that UNU Jogja has 11 study programs across various disciplines that could be involved in the collaboration. She expressed hope that this interdisciplinary approach would broaden academic perspectives while encouraging the development of research relevant to the needs of the halal industry.

“We see this exploration as an initial step toward identifying forms of collaboration that align with each institution’s capacity and needs. We hope this meeting will lead to concrete partnerships in research, training, and the development of multidisciplinary halal studies, in accordance with each institution’s respective expertise,” she said.

Reporter: Latifah