Halal Kulture Market is expected to become a platform that connects the creatively-packaged halal lifestyle and young Indonesians.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Born and growing up in an era of technological leaps and an increasingly established economy, the Millennial Generation (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are known for their positive characteristics, such as those being inclusive, creative and expressive, besides wanting practical things and having multitasking abilities.

However, on the other hand, there are quite a few of them who lack focus on one thing besides tending to be egocentric and permissive. They also easily get stressed, excessively anxious, and even depressed.

Not only because of these characteristics, these two generation periods are predicted to become a time of Indonesia's Golden Generation in 2045, but also because their number has now reached 144.32 million people, or 53.81 percent of the country's total population.

Responding to this archipelagic country's socio-demographic challenges, the Halal Kulture Market Indonesia, which was launched on Thursday (July 11) by PT Mumtaz Creative Media, is expected to become a platform that connects creatively packaged halal lifestyles and the Indonesian young people.

Halal means consumable according to Islamic teachings.

"By internalizing the principles of halal living, Millennials and Gen Z are expected to become agents of change who bring inspiration, hope and goodness to the people and the surrounding environment," Mumtaz Creative CEO, Agung Paramata, said at the launching event.

Halal Kulture Market Indonesia, which is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 3, 2024 at Hall 1-2 of the International Convention and Exhibition (ICE) in Indonesia’s Tangerang city, Banten province, will feature a number of programs tailored to the characteristics of Millennials and Gen Z.

Agung opined that the sophistication of digital technology has in fact provided digital spaces that build the spirituality construction of the Millennial and Gen Z generation in a hybrid manner, so it is less substantive.

"We present the Halal Kulture Market Indonesia to provide space for existence and actualization for them to understand the deen (religion) of Al-Islam in depth according to the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ)," he stressed.

According to him, the Halal Kulture Market 2024, which will be held for the first time, is also a business ecosystem that stimulates the growth of creative communities of ‘hijrah’ young people, who are able to produce contemporary halal products.

He said that the advantages of Millennials and Gen Z are not only being literate and technologically adept, but also being creative and innovative in their works. "They also have the courage to try new things and have an independent spirit to build entrepreneurship."

Agung hopes that Halal Kulture Market Indonesia can become a business and branding incubator for creative products made by young people who are known to have outstanding characteristics in terms of formulation, packaging design, marketing methods, and shopping experience.

Indie brands, he continued, also tend to find it easier to form a fanbase because their communication style is more intimate like that of a friend. "Halal Kuture Market is expected to become a trendsetter for the halal lifestyle of Millennials and Gen Z whose presence is always awaited, because many new things will be launched at this event," he added.

Even though the event will be held only for the first time, Agung is optimistic that it can attract at least 25,000 visitors. Currently, Mumtaz Creative is still opening up opportunities for partners who want to collaborate and support the promotion of a halal lifestyle among young people.

Under the theme 'Connected, Elevated Halal into Your Lifestyle', Mumtaz Creative collaborates with various partners and communities in presenting programs friendly to children and families, and suitable for teenagers as well as young adults.

One of Mumtaz Creative's manager, Febrianto Kurniawan, explained the theme 'connected' which means being connected has the meaning of building ukhuwah (bonds of brotherhood), while 'elevated' contains the hope that the Halal Kuture Market Indonesia will provide many benefits and advantages for the community, especially young people, and increase their competence.

“Millennials and Gen Z need religion education. "After visiting the Halal Kuture Market, they are expected to bring experiences and benefits," said Obi, Febrianto Kurniawan's nickname.

In this regard, furthermore, Halal Kuture Market Indonesia will offerprograms, such as 'benefit talk', 'inspiration corner', 'community space', and 'classroom session', where visitors can share opportunities to start their businesses, as well as taking lessons from the experiences of successful businesspeople.

Meanwhile, in the mini stage area, visitors can listen to casual chats discussing current topics and hobbies with experts, in addition to deepening religious knowledge through 'Deep Talk' with ustadzs (Islam teachers), and book reviews.

Around 200 exhibitors from various established and indie brands covering fashion, herbal and pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, travel, education, food and drink, sharia finance, wedding organizers and multiproduct, will be present at the Halal Kuture Market Indonesia.

Reporting by Indonesia Window