HALAGEL RETURNS TO EXPLORE INDONESIAN MARKET, EYES 60 MLN CONSUMERS IN SUMATRA

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Halagel (M) Sdn Bhd has relaunched the distribution of its products in Kota Padang through a collaboration with Aciak Mart, one of the largest retail chains in West Sumatra.

This move marks the return of Halagel in the Indonesian market after operations were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with its focus now shifting from Greater Jakarta to Sumatra, which has a population of about 60 million people.

The launch event was officiated by Malaysian Consul General in Medan, Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, and attended by Halagel general manager Ahmad Mokhzani Ahmad Rodzi; Aciak Mart founder Amril Amin; and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) representative Nazura Mansor.

“Sumatra has almost twice the population of Malaysia, with a similar culture. Malaysian companies should seize this huge potential through partnerships with credible local partners.

“The Consulate General is always ready to assist Malaysian companies to penetrate the Sumatran market,” Ahmad Mokhzani told Bernama today.

He said the relaunch comes as Malaysia–West Sumatra trade relations continue to strengthen, with bilateral trade reaching US$235 million (US$1=RM4.15) in 2024, supported by 22 weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Padang.

Ahmad Mokhzani said the collaboration with Aciak Mart opens up wider distribution opportunities across retail networks across West Sumatra.

“Aciak Mart is the best strategic partner for us. We also plan to expand to other regions including Yogyakarta and Makassar,” he said.

Halagel products are imported through its subsidiary, PT Halagel Idaman Makmur, established in 2017, and certified halal with approval from Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).

Founded in 1997, Halagel is a producer of gelatin-based products, health supplements, and consumer goods such as toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, cooking salt, and instant coffee.

Its products are sold in major supermarkets such as Lotus’s, Aeon Big, Econsave, Mydin, and The Store, and are also exported to countries such as Kazakhstan, China, and the United Arab Emirates.

-- BERNAMA