Although Indonesian consumers have a high level of halal knowledge, this knowledge does not directly predict their purchasing behavior. Conversely, once consumers trust a system, they tend to rely less on facts and more on institutional trust.
“Regulators design systems assuming that knowledge drives compliance. However, in reality, consumers operate based on trust, while third-party logistics companies operate based on market demand,” explains a study by Liane Okdinawati, a lecturer at School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), entitled “From Policy to Practice: Enhancing Halal Compliance in the Logistics Sector.”
Liane is one of the recipients of the Asahi Glass Foundation (AGF) research grant for the 2025–2026 period. In addition to Liane, fellow SBM lecturers, Santi Novani and Meditya Wasesa, also received the grant. Their research has been recognized for contributing to efforts to address complex socio-economic challenges.
“We hope to advance this research and contribute to sustainable resource policies,” said Meditya, emphasizing SBM ITB’s commitment to integrating technology with environmental sustainability, in Bandung (July 21).
The partnership between ITB and the Asahi Glass Foundation has existed for almost four decades. The partnership aims to support research that bridges the gap between science, technology, and tangible societal impact.
Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB, Prof. Ir. Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., said that international partnerships like this are vital. Consistent support from the Asahi Glass Foundation ensures that ITB researchers remain at the forefront of innovation and deliver impact that resonates both in Indonesia and globally.
Meanwhile, Liane’s research compares the mandatory, “coercive” regulatory environment in Indonesia under the BPJPH with the voluntary market in Malaysia. Despite their different regulatory pathways, both countries face similar obstacles, including ecosystem fragmentation and competency gaps. Liane offers a roadmap for regulators such as BPJPH to standardize audit processes and strengthen “layers of trust” across the supply chain.
Santi Novani’s research, “Soft Systems Thinking in Strategic Empowerment of the Creative Economy,” focuses on weaving artisans in Donggala, Palu. In her research, Santi highlights “messy problems” in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, where artisans are often trapped in a “cycle of artisan poverty” despite possessing high levels of cultural intellectual property.
Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Service Science methodologies, her research proposes the establishment of a “Collaborative Body” to coordinate supply chain stability and financial education. This initiative transforms the creative economy from a top-down approach into a participatory system that values cultural heritage as a dynamic service.
Meditya Wasesa’s research, “Business Analytics for Environmentally Conscious Resource Policy,” utilizes data-driven business analytics to design resource policies that are not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable.
The contributions of these three researchers underscore SBM ITB’s unique ability to bridge the gap between technical science and management practice. Whether through environmental analytics, halal supply chains, or local community empowerment, their research reflects the school’s mission of “Science of Management for the Betterment of Society.”
