The practice of halal can develop through a cultural approach that prioritizes dialogue, citizen participation and social harmony.

Bogor, W Java (Indonesia Window) – Halal products have been proven to be well received by people in areas with a majority non-Muslim population, especially in Indonesia’s Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

According to a research by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (known as BRIN) through the Research Center for Religious and Civilization Treasures, the Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization, chaired by Dandung Budi Yuwono and his team, and academics from the State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.

This research began from studies on halal products and certification, which are often seen as sectoral issues that are synonymous with the theological interests of the Muslim Ummah. Halal certification and products seem to be an affirmation of the trust and religiosity of the Muslim community.

This research found a different reality in Indonesia’s eastern city of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Even though the majority of the population is Catholic and Protestant, social practices related to halal products are integrated harmoniously into people's daily lives.

"Acceptance of halal products in Kupang is not solely driven by business interests or structural regulations, but grows from strong local cultural values. Traditions, genealogical ties and social solidarity are the main foundations for the formation of this coexistence," Dandung said on Wednesday (Feb. 25), quoted from the BRIN’s website, on Monday.

According to him, one of the cultural concepts that has emerged is "ca naang agu ca wa'u" (one heart and one soul) which has become a symbol of social cohesion among the people of Kupang.

This concept contains genetic (blood ties), sociological (customary brotherhood) values, and traditional deliberation mechanisms in resolving conflicts.

In practice, acceptance of the construction of Muslim houses of worship in non-Muslim majority areas is carried out through traditional symbols as a form of social legitimacy.

This shows that interreligious dialogue and tolerance do not stop at the level of discourse, but are present in everyday practice.

"The existence of the ‘leles’ (mutual cooperation) tradition also strengthens interfaith community ties in various celebrations, both traditional and religious," Dandung said.

The research findings in Kupang could be a lesson for other multicultural regions in Indonesia and even the world, that halal practices can develop through a cultural approach that prioritizes dialogue, people’s participation and social harmony.

The research is expected to provide input for policy makers in reformulating the halal certification approach so that it is not viewed solely as an interest of Muslims, but as part of inclusive production and consumption governance.

Reporting by Indonesia Window