RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Association of Islamic Economists (IAEI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing equitable Islamic economic policies. IAEI Chairman Nasaruddin Umar made the statement during a Board of Directors meeting at the Sahid Hotel in Jakarta on Sunday, January 25, 2026. 

He emphasized that the initiative is expected to deliver tangible benefits for both society and the national economy. “This working meeting serves as a strategic platform to transform Islamic economic thought into concrete policies that benefit the nation and state,” Nasaruddin said in a press release received on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

He noted that Indonesia possesses “strategic capital” in the form of a strong global reputation, solid national leadership, cultural wealth, and policies that have maintained stable economic growth. 

With growth consistently above the ASEAN average, Umar argued that Indonesia must optimize this advantage to strengthen its economic foundation. “With growth still outperforming the region, Indonesia’s position should be maximized as a strategic asset for reinforcing the national economy,” he said.

The meeting also explored the potential of the Sharia economy to address multiple global shocks, including international geopolitical tensions and the impacts of climate change. 

To build a fairer and more resilient financial system, the IAEI advocates returning to the foundations of the real economy through classical Islamic principles that emphasize shared risk and reward. 

Central to this approach is the application of Mudharabah (profit-sharing), a partnership in which one party provides capital while the other contributes labor and expertise. 

The organization also promotes Musyarakah (joint venture), a collaborative model where all parties contribute both capital and management. By adopting these equity-based mechanisms, the IAEI aims to foster a sustainable economic environment that avoids speculative volatility and ensures growth is distributed fairly.

The disruption caused by digital financial technology was another focus of the meeting, with participants discussing the potential of blockchain systems to enhance transparency in Sharia-based transactions. 

The board also raised the idea of establishing a representative center for Islamic activities, envisioned as an intellectual hub for policy formulation and a symbol of consolidation for Indonesia’s Muslim community. 

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed support for the initiative, particularly through the planned construction of the Umat Fund Empowerment Institute building.

Nasaruddin concluded that Indonesia’s strong economic performance in the third quarter of 2025 provides a vital foundation for pursuing these ambitious Islamic economic goals amid ongoing global uncertainty.​ (Naura Sofia/Lasti Martina)