Polije, Bank Indonesia, and KDEKS East Java Launch Halal Culinary Zone

Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije), together with Bank Indonesia (BI) Jember and the Regional Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KDEKS) East Java, inaugurated the Zona KHAS (Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary Zone) at the Main Campus canteen on Wednesday (August 27, 2025). The program is aimed at ensuring halal and hygienic culinary services while strengthening the regional sharia economy.

Polije Director Saiful Anwar, S.TP., M.P., said the initiative is a strategic step for creating a halal lifestyle environment on campus.

“We are committed to expanding this program to all branch campuses in Bondowoso, Nganjuk, Sidoarjo, Ngawi, and East Nusa Tenggara. This is an important milestone in building a campus-based halal ecosystem,” he stated.

KDEKS East Java representative H. Mohammad Ghofirin, M.Pd., praised the launch, saying “Jember has a strong sharia economy, and people are becoming more selective in choosing halal products. A halal lifestyle is not only about consumption but covers all aspects of life in line with sharia principles.”

Meanwhile, Head of BI Jember Gunawan highlighted the program’s wider impact.

“Zona KHAS is not only relevant for campuses but also crucial for Jember’s growing tourism. In the future, it will expand to culinary centers across Jember to ensure food is halal, safe, and healthy,” he explained.

With this initiative, Polije and its partners hope to strengthen Jember’s reputation as a halal economy hub while opening new opportunities for local culinary MSMEs to meet halal standards.