Ciamis launches first non-toll rest area Halal Culinary Zone

Ciamis, West Java, has launched Indonesia's first Halal, Safe, and Healthy (KHAS) Culinary Zone at the Karangkamulyan Rest Area, marking a significant step in fostering Muslim-friendly tourism and strengthening the local economy. The initiative, a collaboration between Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya and the Ciamis Regency government, is part of the JAZIRAH (Jalinan Sinergi Ekonomi Syariah Priangan Timur) x Ciamis Creative Expo (CCE) 2026.

Laura Rulida, Head of Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya, emphasized the synergy's goal: to bolster the MSME ecosystem that supports Muslim-friendly tourism. "Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya supports strengthening the MSME ecosystem to drive economic growth in the Muslim-friendly tourism sector in Ciamis Regency. Today, we inaugurate the KHAS Zone at Karangkamulyan Rest Area as the first KHAS zone in a non-toll rest area in Indonesia," she stated.

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Bank Indonesia Tasikmalaya supports strengthening the MSME ecosystem to drive economic growth in the Muslim-friendly tourism sector in Ciamis Regency. Today, we inaugurate the KHAS Zone at Karangkamulyan Rest Area as the first KHAS zone in a non-toll rest area in Indonesia.

Ciamis Regent Herdiat Sunarya welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of halal certification for both residents and tourists. "More than 98 percent of Ciamis residents are Muslim. Halal certification is very necessary so that the community and tourists who come feel calm, safe, and comfortable," he said. This move positions Ciamis as a pioneer of halal tourism based on rest areas along the southern route of West Java, reinforcing the Priangan Timur region as an epicenter of the sharia economy driven by MSMEs, culture, and tourism.

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More than 98 percent of Ciamis residents are Muslim. Halal certification is very necessary so that the community and tourists who come feel calm, safe, and comfortable.

The KHAS Zone currently hosts 15 culinary MSMEs that have met key criteria, including obtaining Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and Halal Certificates. Helma Agustiawan from the National Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KNEKS) encouraged the integration of local culture into the tourism offerings, drawing parallels with successful cultural tourism models elsewhere. She stressed that while infrastructure is in place, the community must infuse it with ancestral cultural attractions to create a unique selling proposition for Ciamis's Muslim-friendly tourism.

The JAZIRAH x CCE 2026 event runs from June 5-7, featuring various activities such as talk shows on Muslim-friendly destinations, a pesantren empowerment talkshow, a modest fashion show, UMKM exhibitions, and cultural performances. Public figure Risty Tagor is also expected to participate in a business inspiration session.

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The government has built the infrastructure. It is up to the community and communities to fill its soul with ancestral cultural attractions. This is what will make Ciamis's Muslim-friendly tourism have a differentiator, not only is the nature beautiful but the culture is alive.