Jakarta, Nov. 15 -- Bank Indonesia (BI) has estimated Muslim tourists in the global halal tourism industry to reach 158 million by 2020.

BI Deputy Governor Dody Budi Waluyo stated at the Indonesia Halal Tourism Summit in Jakarta on Friday that Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population worldwide, should tap into the abundant potential of Muslim tourists.

He cited as an illustration the potential for economic movement if Indonesia can optimally develop the halal tourism market.

In 2018, with the number of Muslim tourists reaching 140 million, the value of online shopping transactions of Muslim tourists has the potential to touch US$35 billion.

"This means there exists a market segment that must be worked on. Moreover, Indonesia is a...