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REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Head of the Department of Sharia Economy and Finance (DEKS) of Bank Indonesia (BI), Imam Hartono, affirmed that the sharia economy must grow through the innovation of the young generation. He said that a youthful spirit based on godliness and the value of justice is the main foundation for building a sustainable economy.
“The pious young generation must be a generation that is empowered, has the ability, skills, and competencies to take advantage of opportunities,” Imam said in his speech at the Tabligh Akbar Republika at Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Saturday (11/10/2025).
He considered that the potential demographic bonus of Indonesia should be directed towards strengthening the sharia economy sector through creativity and technology. According to him, economic progress will not be meaningful without the spiritual spirit that guides the direction of innovation.
“Youthfulness is civilized spirit, courage in the face of challenges, and openness to change,” he said.
Imam explained that the sharia economy is now a vessel for the empowerment of the Ummah as well as an instrument of inclusive growth. He insists that sharia values such as justice, transparency, and prosperity must be central principles in any economic innovation.
“The sharia economy that we have developed is an instrument of empowerment. Through the principles of justice, transparency and prosperity, we are building an economic system that not only generates profit, but also brings prosperity to the people,” he said.
The State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) 2024/25 report noted that Indonesia ranks third in the world in the global Islamic economy index. The report also highlights the huge contribution of younger generations in driving digital innovation in the halal sector.
More than 60 per cent of consumers in the digital halal economy are from young people active in the technology and creative sectors. Imam said the trend is proof that the sharia economy has great room to grow in the digital age.
“Bank Indonesia through the Department of Sharia Economy and Finance is committed to developing the sharia financial economy, not only through policy and regulation, but also through education and community empowerment such as today's activities,” he said.
He considered the holding of ISEF to be an important momentum to strengthen the foundation of value while fostering the spirit of innovation. According to him, the synergy between spirituality and technology is key for Indonesia's sharia economy to grow sustainably.
“This ongoing ISEF is our way of accelerating the sharia economy in the homeland. This Tabligh Akbar is a spiritual reinforcement to strengthen the foundation of values before we move on to the broader technical implementation of sharia economics,” he said.
Imam hopes that the younger generation of Muslims can become the engine of change towards an inclusive, ethical and equitable economy. He insists that sharia is not just a theoretical concept, but a real solution for the progress of the nation.
“It's time for us to prove, sharia is not just a theoretical concept, but a real solution for the progress of the nation,” he said closing remarks.
