JABARTODAY.COM – JAKARTA. After conducting roadshows in eight cities, the Rabu Hijrah Association held a gathering aimed at encouraging young people to actively contribute to the success of Islamic economics and finance. Following these roadshows, the organization, founded in 2019, convened young individuals and various figures in the field of Islamic economics (eksyar) for the National Consolidation of Islamic Economics and Finance (KONEKSI) event, which took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs on October 18th.
Held at the Auditorium HM Rasjidi of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, KONEKSI adopted the theme “What Does Islamic Economics Really Entail?” This theme highlights the significant potential of Islamic economics that should not be underestimated and must be embraced by young people as Indonesia sets its sights on the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.
During the previous KONEKSI roadshow, which visited Aceh, Medan, Palembang, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, and Pontianak, the Rabu Hijrah team received valuable feedback from both young individuals and practitioners in the field of Islamic economics.
Addressing the stakeholders and young attendees, Phirman Reza, Chairman of Rabu Hijrah, presented three key recommendations stemming from the KONEKSI roadshow. These recommendations included the launch of a comprehensive strategy and economic planning for Islamic economics, proposals for pertinent regulations and public policies in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), the promotion of regulations and public policies governing Islamic economics, and fostering increased collaboration among various parties to advance Islamic economics in Indonesia.
Among the stakeholders, KONEKSI was attended by Prof. Dr. Abu Rokhmad, who represented the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. KH. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, as well as Muhammad Lutfi, who served as the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia from 2020 to 2021. Other attendees included Adiwarman Karim, Vice Chairman of BSI, Iggi Achsien, Secretary-General of the Islamic Economic Society (MES), Arief Rosyid Hasan, Independent Commissioner of BSI, Anton Sukarna, Director of Sales & Distribution of BSI, Irwan Abdalloh, Head of Sharia Capital Market Division at BEI, Phirman Reza, Chairman of Rabu Hijrah, Dece Kurniadi, Deputy Director of Sharia Economic Development and Legal Affairs (KNEKS), Greget Kalla Buana, an Islamic Finance Specialist, and Prita Ilham, Funding Manager at Hijra Bank.
On the youth front, KONEKSI featured prominent figures such as Rio Chaniado Anggara, Executive Director of Rabu Hijrah, who also represents the Gen-Z generation in the field of Islamic economics, financial influencer Anas Roiyan, Muhammad Rafiuddin, Chairman of Zahabat Eksyar, Teza Kusuma, President of the Student Executive Board (BEM) Unand 2021, and Iip Parikesit, the President of the National Front for Indonesian Muslim Students (Fornas Mesya).
Representing the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Prof. Dr. Abu Rokhmad, M.A., expressed his appreciation for the successful organization of this event. He commended KONEKSI as a platform where young individuals demonstrate their commitment to advancing Islamic economics.
“I extend greetings from Minister Yaqut, and he also expresses his appreciation for today’s KONEKSI event. He takes pride in the fact that behind KONEKSI 2023, there are young individuals working diligently to ensure the event’s success,” Prof. Abu Rokhmad stated.
In a similar vein, Muhammad Lutfi, who served as the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia from 2020 to 2022, reminded young people that there are two crucial aspects for them to contribute to the success of Islamic economics today.
“There are two important points that you should bear in mind: the need to make wise choices when selecting leaders and the importance of being ethical individuals who are responsible for themselves and those around them,” said Lutfi, who also served as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Lutfi also urged young people to choose leaders who are advocates of Islamic economics. “To all of you, choose leaders who have already championed Islamic economics and whose commitment to Islamic economics is beyond question,” he added.
Meanwhile, Arief Rosyid Hasan, Chairman of PB HMI 2013-2015, who also serves as a young commissioner at BSI, delivered a speech during the Leader’s Insight session. Arief expressed his pride in the presence of KONEKSI in 2023.
“KONEKSI is a part of history for those of you who are present here, and I commend the young individuals of Rabu Hijrah who have prepared for the KONEKSI event. I would like to convey that there are two potentials that you should remember: the significant number of our Muslim population and the upcoming golden era of young people due to the demographic bonus. There is no time to be idle; young people must be integral parts of this democratic celebration,” stated Arief, affectionately known as ARH.
Arief also encouraged approximately 500 young people in attendance not to hesitate in contributing to the nation and the state. According to him, the contribution given reflects a commitment to the community’s advancement and shared success.
Moreover, in two talk show sessions, “The G.O.A.T Eksyar Session” and “Kongkow Bareng Expert,” the speakers concurred that Islamic economics requires greater attention from both young people and stakeholders. In alignment with the objectives of KONEKSI, the speakers also acknowledged the potential of Islamic economics, which, when maximized, will bring prosperity and enhance Indonesia’s global standing. (ruz)
