As a concrete manifestation of IAEI East Java's efforts to enter the international stage, the Al-Khairat Pamekasan Islamic Institute (IAI) Commissariat successfully participated in the 2nd International Conference on Islamic Thought (ICIT) 2026 with the theme "Islamic Financial Literacy for Sustainable Development." The conference, held online via Zoom on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, was attended by 258 participants from various countries, from Thailand to Kenya, with 105 speakers presenting 65 papers in four parallel discussion rooms. This achievement was the result of a collaboration between IAI Al-Khairat Pamekasan, Aflatoun International, the IAEI Commissariat, the East Java Regional Leadership Council (DPW) of IAEI, LekDIS Nusantara Indonesia, and Surabaya State University (UNESA).
Opening the forum, Mr. Roeland Monasch, Chief Executive Officer of Aflatoun International, emphasized that the biggest challenge in financial education is not just access, but how relevant it is to the social, cultural, and value backgrounds of students. He stated that the younger generation of Muslims needs an approach that is not only open but also aligned with their values. "The ICIT is a concrete example of how this inclusive approach can be realized in practice," he said.
Following this spirit, Dr. Ali Ridho, Rector of IAI Al-Khairat Pamekasan, emphasized that this conference is not merely an academic event, but a strategic space to strengthen networks and cross-border collaboration in the development of Islamic finance. He stated that universities have a crucial role in presenting Islamic finance not only as a scientific discipline but also as a practice relevant to society. "Islamic finance is a practical system that upholds the principles of justice, transparency, and social welfare. IAI Al-Khairat Pamekasan is committed to equipping students with both theoretical understanding and practical skills in this field," he emphasized.
Closing the series of events, Dr. H. Mawardi, Head of the Pamekasan Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, highlighted the strategic role of Islamic educational institutions in developing a comprehensive understanding of Islamic economics among the younger generation. He emphasized that education serves not only as a means of transferring knowledge, but also as a space for internalizing just and welfare-oriented Islamic economic values. "Hopefully, the results of this conference will not stop at discussion, but can make a real contribution to future policymaking," he hoped.
The enthusiasm of the participants was also a notable feature of this forum. Dr. Aang Kunaifi, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Chair of the IAEI IAI Al-Khairat Pamekasan 2026-2031 Commission, stated that the participants enthusiastically and orderly participated in all events from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WIB. Similarly, Suryadi Syahrum, Aflatoun Program Coordinator from LekDIS Nusantara Indonesia, expressed his appreciation for the successful organization of the 2nd ICIT 2026, which he considered an effective and proud global collaboration event.
To recognize the contributions of participants, the committee has prepared awards in three categories: Best Presenter, Best Paper, and Best Engagement, each of which will be awarded to the top three winners. The winners will be officially announced on Friday, May 8, 2026, via the IAI Al-Khairat website. The conference also offers opportunities for publication in reputable journals, from Sinta 2 to international journals, in an effort to broaden the academic impact of this global collaborative forum.
