Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): February

This edition brings together insightful works from esteemed scholars in Indonesia and Taiwan, covering topics that span halal certification, consumer behavior, sentiment analysis, and botanical identification related to halal practices. The rigorous review process was made possible by our dedicated reviewers from Indonesia and Malaysia, whose expertise ensured the high quality and relevance of these contributions.

In this issue, we begin with a study on the calculation of similarity between MUI fatwas, which compares various text extraction features and string matching algorithms to analyze the consistency and coherence of Islamic legal rulings. This research offers valuable insights into the digitalization and structuring of Islamic jurisprudence, which can support better decision-making in halal certification and compliance.

Next, we explore the influence of global consumer culture on halal consumption, particularly among Indonesian youth. As globalization shapes consumer preferences, this study sheds light on how young Muslims navigate their halal consumption choices in an interconnected world. The findings offer important implications for businesses and policymakers seeking to understand the evolving halal market.

We then turn to sentiment analysis of Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification policy, using Naïve Bayes and K-Nearest Neighbors algorithms to analyze public discourse on Twitter. Given the significance of social media in shaping public opinion, this study provides a timely examination of how digital conversations reflect societal attitudes toward government policies on halal certification.

Another critical topic discussed in this issue is the correlation between halal certification and Indonesia’s export economic value. This study delves into the impact of halal certification on the international market, examining whether compliance with halal standards enhances Indonesia’s export potential. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on how halal certification serves as both a religious and economic instrument.

Finally, we feature a study on the identification of plants from the Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae families in a mini herbal garden in Sumberbrantas Village, Batu, East Java, within the context of halal considerations. This research highlights the intersection of halal, traditional medicine, and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of botanical identification in ensuring halal compliance.

We extend our gratitude to all the authors and reviewers who contributed to this issue. Their dedication to advancing halal research has enriched this journal and provided valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners. We hope that the studies featured in this edition will inspire further research and innovation in the halal domain.