Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): July

It is with great pleasure that we present this inaugural edition of our Halal Research Journal, a dedicated publication aimed at advancing the scholarship and understanding of halal-related issues through rigorous research and diverse perspectives. This edition brings together scholars from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting the international and interdisciplinary nature of the halal research community.

The chapters featured in this issue cover a wide range of topics, each contributing unique insights and findings to the field:

1. A Comparison of Halal Product Standards in Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
   This chapter provides a detailed comparative analysis of the halal product standards in two of the world's leading halal markets, Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By examining the regulatory frameworks, certification processes, and compliance requirements, the authors highlight both the similarities and differences that shape the halal industry in these countries.

2. Exploring Semantic Similarity among MUI Fatwas: A Computational Analysis using Generalized Jaccard Similarity
   Employing advanced computational techniques, this chapter delves into the semantic relationships among fatwas issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Using the Generalized Jaccard Similarity measure, the study offers a novel approach to understanding the coherence and evolution of religious edicts in the context of halal rulings.

3. Identifying Public Awareness of the Halal Issue of Cough Medicine Containing Alcohol
   This chapter addresses a critical public health concern by investigating the level of public awareness regarding the halal status of cough medicines containing alcohol. Through surveys and public opinion analysis, the authors provide valuable insights into consumer perceptions and the need for clearer communication and education on halal pharmaceutical products.

4. Application of Milkfish Bone-Based Gelatin as an Alternative to Non-halal Gelatin
   Exploring innovative solutions to a common problem, this chapter examines the feasibility of using milkfish bone-based gelatin as a halal alternative to conventional non-halal gelatin. The study includes detailed analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the gelatin, as well as its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

5. Chatbot Model Development Using BERT for West Sumatera Halal Tourism Information
   In the realm of technology and tourism, this chapter presents the development of a chatbot model utilizing BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) to provide information about halal tourism in West Sumatera. The authors discuss the design, implementation, and effectiveness of the chatbot in enhancing tourist experiences and promoting halal-friendly destinations.

We are grateful for the contributions of our esteemed authors, whose diverse backgrounds and expertise have enriched this publication. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our diligent reviewers from Indonesia and Turkey, whose critical evaluations and constructive feedback have ensured the high quality of the research presented.