PEKANBARU - Bank Riau Kepri Syariah contributed to the Riau 2024 Sharia Economic and Financial Exploration Program (EKSyar) developed by Bisnis Indonesia.

One area that helped in the growth of economic activity in the province of Riau is the development of sharia economics.

Support for the halal industry in Riau has grown since Bank Riau Kepri was converted to Bank Riau Kepri Syariah (BRKS), according to Aang Ananda Suherman, head of the Pekanbaru Indonesian Business Representative Office. unless it establishes a stable syariah economic environment.

"Syariah economics is about how we can create benefits and positive impacts for everyone. With the foundation that has been formed, we are optimistic that the Syariah economy in Riau will continue to develop and make a significant contribution to the regional economy," he said at the release of the Exploring EKSyar Riau 2024 program, Monday (7/10/2024).

He also highlighted the importance of sharia economics in promoting Riau's economic growth, emphasizing not only its good effects on society but also its religious aspects.

For example, Bank Indonesia has paid more attention to the development of sharia economics in the regions, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the independence of Islamic boarding schools, and their social benefits.

“We think there is a lot of room for growth and success with Syariah economics. Syariah economics is a source of justice for the community's economy in addition to being about religion. Apart from that, what is the effect on Riau's economy and how great is its influence on Micro and Small Businesses , and Middle School, Islamic boarding school independence and larger societal benefits,” he stated.

Alzuhra Dini Alinoni, the head of the Riau Province Economic Bureau, said that the province has a lot of potential to develop a sharia economy because of the characteristics of its people, with the majority of its 6.7 million people being Muslims (87%).

"In accordance with Presidential Regulation Number 28 of 2020 concerning the National Sharia Economic and Financial Committee, the Riau Provincial Government has taken concrete steps by forming the Riau Province Sharia Economic and Financial Regional Committee in 2022," he said.

Additionally, the Riau Provincial Government is in support of Bank Riau Kepri's conversion to Bank Riau Kepri Syariah in 2022, since this is expected to be a driving force behind the implementation of Riau's Syariah economic strategy program.

He emphasized the important role of sharia financial institutions such as Bank Riau Kepri Syariah in supporting economic movements in the region, especially in the banking sector which applies Islamic Syariah principles.

"The Riau Provincial Government collaborates with Bank Indonesia in programs such as Riau Syariah Week and other Syariah economic literacy activities. With solid synergy, Syariah economics is expected to become the people's main choice, considering the large population and potential demand in Indonesia," he said.

The Provincial Government of Riau expresses its gratitude to all parties involved in advancing Syariah economic development in Riau.

"We hope that this coverage activity can increase public awareness of the importance of halal lifestyle and encourage more parties to participate in advancing the sharia economy," he said.

Added the Head of Bank Indonesia Riau Representative, Panji Achmad, who emphasized the importance of paying attention to the development of this sector. As part of efforts to support the economic independence of the people of Riau.

“There are four main programs that have been implemented and launched by the Bank Indonesia Riau Representative Office to support sharia economic and financial development,” he said.

Creating an environment for the halal value chain is part of this. The Bank Indonesia Representative Office focuses on areas including halal food, integrated agriculture, modest clothing, and Islamic boarding schools' financial independence.

Second, strengthening sharia finance. Bank Indonesia encourages the optimization of Ziswaf funds (Zakat, Infaq, Shodaqoh, and Waqf) as a productive economic source through capacity building or Training of Trainers (ToT) programs for waqf nazhir.

This also includes expanding muzakki and wakif, business matching financing, as well as collaboration with
Ziswaf institutions and related stakeholders in Riau. Third, increasing literacy and inclusion.

Through various outreach activities, discussion forums and training, the Bank Indonesia Representative Office aims to increase the awareness of the Riau community regarding sharia economics and finance.

Fourth, support for facilities and infrastructure. The Bank Indonesia Representative Office also provides assistance to support the economic independence of Islamic boarding schools.

The party is executing the Sharia Economic Exploration Program in partnership with Bisnis Indonesia in order to promote the accomplishment of the goal of creating a national economic literacy index and to support the success of Bank Indonesia's strengthening strategy.

The goal of this program is to raise Riau people' awareness of sharia-compliant financial and economic developments, even on a national scale.

“This is a special publication effort to show our commitment to developing sharia economics and finance in Riau. We hope that all parties can know and contribute to the development of halal lifestyle in Riau and Indonesia,” he said.

Also, he expressed appreciation to all those who had contributed to this work, such as Bisnis Indonesia, Bank Riau Kepri Syariah, the provincial government of Riau, and other parties that had taken the initiative to support the growth of sharia finance and economics in Riau.

Through using sharia principles that fit with the ideals of the Riau people, Bank Indonesia wants to promote more equitable and sustainable economic development via these varied programs and assistance.

Also present at this event were the Directors of Bank Riau Kepri Syariah, represented by the Edi Wardana Head of the Company Secretariat Division, Alzuhra Dini Alinoni the Head of the Riau Province Economic Bureau, Panji Achmad The Head of the Bank Indonesia Riau Representative Office, Masriadi Hasan The Chairman of the Riau Province National Amil Zakat Agency.

Abdul Rasyid Chairman of the Riau Province Indonesian Waqf Board, Representative of the Riau Province Islamic Boarding School Communication Forum, Dean of the Unilak Faculty of Economics and Business and representative of the Riau Indonesian Ulema Council.

Author: Yuni
Editor: Riki