The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Islamic Economists Association (IAEI) together with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) are working together to support the development of the sharia economy through universities, research, and scientific development. This was stated by the Chairman, who is also the Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, along with the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, and the Minister of Religion (Menag), Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, during the IAEI meeting at the Ministry of Finance on Monday (August 4).
The strategic direction of IAEI for the 2025–2030 period places research, literacy, curriculum development, and academic advancement as the main focus. The Chairperson mentioned plans to enhance the role of research and the involvement of higher education institutions, particularly for programs and fields related to Islamic economics, in implementing IAEI programs.
“The strategic reinforcements in IAEI’s programs are based on the extraordinary interest and aspirations in the field of Islamic economics. In various universities, these programs are flourishing,” explained the Chairman.
On the same occasion, Prof. Brian Yuliarto emphasized that the quality of the higher education system must align with global research leadership.
“Our task is to enhance Islamic economics literacy up to the research level. Indonesia should be able to lead this,” stated the Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education.
In line with the Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar also emphasized the importance of developing research in the field of Islamic economics. The Minister of Religious Affairs urged collaboration among ministries to establish a more aligned curriculum framework and program nomenclature.
“Research on Islamic economics should not stop at the conceptual level but must directly contribute to public policy,” the Minister of Religious Affairs stressed.
Through this meeting, it is hoped that the strengthening of higher education and Islamic economics research will become a crucial foundation in establishing Indonesia as a global reference center for Islamic economics. This synergy will not only enhance national academic quality but also ensure that higher education institutions make tangible contributions to policy direction and inclusive, sustainable economic development.
