Halal procurement strategy for the halal pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia

A first research on halal procurement strategy for the halal pharmaceutical industry conducted by IPB University in Indonesia provides important results and strategic directions for the halal pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Marco Tieman was one of the co-authors of this ground-breaking research paper.

 

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research is based on in-depth interviews, followed by a strength, weakness, opportunity and threat analysis (using analytical network process technique) to develop halal procurement strategies for the halal pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia.

Findings

Access to halal-certified raw materials is the most difficult issue for pharmaceutical business procurement departments. Because Indonesia is heavily dependent on raw material imports, developing the raw material industry should be a top priority. Recommendations are drafted for the government, pharmaceutical industry and education to strengthen Indonesia’s halal pharmaceutical sector and procurement strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Few studies have been conducted on halal procurement in the pharmaceutical industry, and case studies are recommended to further explore halal procurement best practices. Quantitative research is also recommended to better understand existing halal procurement strategies and the purchasing process of halal critical items for pharmaceutical industries in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia.

Practical implications

Halal critical items sourced for the halal pharmaceutical industry require halal certification, multiple supplier sourcing, evaluation mechanisms and benefit from horizontal collaboration. The main bottleneck for the halal pharmaceutical industry is lack of raw materials with the right halal certificates.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on halal procurement strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. Its findings are relevant to regulatory, technical and business strategies in Muslim-majority countries.

For the full research paper, published on 15 November 2024, visit the Journal of Islamic Marketing (Emerald)