Jakarta, Sept. 9 -- The Indonesian government is preparing to establish six new Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including one in Sidoarjo, East Java, which will serve as a hub for the global halal industry.

Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said the establishment of the six SEZs is awaiting approval from President Prabowo Subianto.

"Previously there were seven proposed SEZs, but one - the Batang Industrial Special Economic Zone (KITB) - has already been approved. Six more remain, one of which is the Halal SEZ. Hopefully, it will be approved soon," he stated at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Moegiarso explained that the halal SEZ in Sidoarjo has strong potential, as Indonesia is...